Riding coach accused of leaving stallion to starve

The stallion's condition score rates it as 'very thin' under the Equine Body Condition Scoring System. Photo / Christine Cornege

An investigation is under way into allegations that a top equestrian coach left a horse in her care to starve.

The woman, a high performance coach for Equestrian Sports New Zealand, is under investigation after a complaint was made against her this year.

Another woman - a rider under the same organisation - is also being investigated for her role in the alleged neglect of the horse.

A man who is now taking care of the 8-year-old stallion made a complaint against the two women after being contacted by the horse's owner in Melbourne to find out where it was.

Neither the rider - who took out a lease for the horse from its owners - nor the coach, who was the guarantor, contacted the owners after they decided not to use the stallion in dressage competitions in New Zealand.

"They've basically just left him out in a paddock with no food, nothing. And he damn-near starved to death," said the man, who did not want to be named.

A veterinary report issued after an examination on May 14 showed the horse to be in a condition of "2 out of 9, with the pin bones, spine of scapular and ribs all clearly visible".

The stallion's condition score rates it as "very thin" under the Equine Body Condition Scoring System.

The most severe rating - one out of nine - is listed as "emaciated".

The head of Equestrian Sports New Zealand, Jim Ellis, last night confirmed that two members from the organisation were under investigation after "several others" (members) had complained.

"We are currently gathering reports from various veterinarians and from the parties involved before we make a decision."

The SPCA could also become involved, Mr Ellis said.

However, he added that he could not make any further comment until a decision was made.

That is expected to come at the end of this month.