It's a tradition at Appleby Horse Fair for the ponies to be ridden bareback into the River Eden and their heads forced underneath the water, which is fast flowing and deep in places.  This year this pointless spectacle had a tragic end when one of the horses fell as it was repeatedly 'dunked' and despite the frantic efforts of spectators, the horse drowned.   According to a report in the Daily Mail, although the horse had lost it's footing the rider continued dunking the poor animal's head.  A spectator said that it is considered a 'macho' thing for young men to do!   One of the fair organisers said that the rider had been told not to take that particular horse into the water.  He ran off when the tragedy happened and Cumbria Police have launched an investigation.   Please tell us what you think.

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written by Diane Cassels, August 06, 2008

I think this is appalling what this man has done. I have no objections to the Abbleby Fair but I wish that owners would treat their horses with respect. After all they are a living being just like us, why should they be treated badly. I hope the man is caught and justice be done!

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