One horse had to be put down and another is recovering after two teenage boys rode them through Flaxmere last week.
Police are investigating the incident where two boys, aged 13 and 15, took the horses from an enclosed yard and rode them along the streets of Flaxmere.
The boys galloped the
horses for some time along the suburb's roads and through a school's grounds.
When found by police both horses had ulceration and scabs on their mouths from misuse of the bit, and swollen joints consistent with overuse. Both horses needed immediate veterinary care.
One horse had to be put down because its injuries were so severe.
Flaxmere constable Nic Renall said its condition deteriorated to the state it was suffering and would not recover.
The other horse was lame on all four feet, and distressed when walked. It had been returned to its owner and was expected to make a full recovery.
One of the boys had been involved in the Manarau Polo team, a recent initiative to teach young at-risk Flaxmere youth to care for horses and to play polo.
Police were talking to several people involved in the incident, including witnesses and associates of the two boys.
"Police are very disappointed and saddened by the way the horses have been treated, and will be seeking stiff penalties for any people found mistreating horses," Mr Renall said. The matter would be referred to Youth Aid.
The Manarau Polo team was formed last September and was run under the guidance of Leg Up Trust, Birchleigh Polo Club and a Hastings Police Blue Light initiative. The team won a polo match against police officers last month.
Leg Up Trust co-ordinator Ros Rowe said it was a shocking incident, but she hoped it would not bring down the team.
"The rest are really great kids," she said.
"We have got to be able to keep going, to keep teaching them."
