KATE GREENHALGH'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN PULBOROUGH: HORSES STARVED AND SUFFERED IN HER CARE

In Pulborough, a disturbing case of animal neglect has come to light involving Kate Greenhalgh, a well-known equestrian and owner of the KG Equestrian stables. Born around 1990, Greenhalgh previously resided on Hurston Lane in Pulborough. Her reputation as a professional rider and stable owner has now been overshadowed by allegations of severe neglect and cruelty towards four horses under her care.

Greenhalgh, who is herself an experienced eventing rider, failed to provide adequate care for the horses entrusted to her. The situation escalated when concerned members of the public reported seeing a horse collapsed in a field near her stables. This alarming sight prompted an immediate response from animal welfare authorities. Inspector Becky Carter, along with RSPCA Inspector Kate Barnes and Claire Gordon, the Chief Field Officer of World Horse Welfare, arrived at the scene to investigate the conditions of the horses.

Upon arrival, the team was informed that one of the horses, known as Kai, had already been euthanized and his body removed. The investigation revealed the shocking extent of the horses' suffering, with photographs released by the RSPCA illustrating the severe neglect. Inspector Carter described the condition of the animals: two horses, Adelaide and a young colt, were found to be in extremely poor physical condition. Adelaide and Val, another horse, were suffering from severe malnutrition, with visible hair loss, sores, and signs of skin infections such as mud fever and rain scald.

The young colt was found to be severely lame, unable to bear weight on one leg, and exhibiting a high heart rate indicative of significant pain. Veterinary examination uncovered an abscess in the colt’s foot, which had been present for over a week, with infection traveling up the leg and requiring drainage of a large amount of pus. The vet confirmed that all three horses were suffering from neglect and poor health, leading to their removal from Greenhalgh’s care with police approval.

One of the horses, suffering from a severe skin condition, was so emaciated that it resembled a skeleton, a tragic result of the starvation inflicted by Greenhalgh. The case also involved high-profile clients, including Team GB Olympic rider Gemma Tattersall. Ms. Tattersall recounted her experience, explaining that she had entrusted Greenhalgh with three horses in October 2019, believing her to be a competent professional due to her background as a rider and her reputation.

Ms. Tattersall expressed her shock upon seeing the photographs of the horses’ condition, stating, “I had told her she could contact me if anything was wrong. Although my horses were valuable, whatever the value a horse should be fed. As horse owners, we are all aware that they can pick up injuries, but these should be dealt with. When I saw the photos I was completely shocked. The horses’ condition looked so poor, I couldn’t believe they were still alive. I have simply never seen any horse in that state before.”

Another owner, Nikki Cochran, described the emotional devastation caused by the death of her beloved horse Kai. She shared her heartbreak, saying, “I was proud to have bought a foal with such special breeding. So standing in that field, watching my dream horse die was almost too difficult for words. I have been severely traumatised by what I witnessed.” She added that the experience has left her feeling betrayed and distrustful of others, especially Greenhalgh, whom she now holds responsible for turning her dream into a nightmare.

Following the investigation, District Judge Amanda Kelly delivered her verdict. Greenhalgh was sentenced to a 12-week prison sentence, suspended, along with 120 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £3,650 in compensation and £878 in costs and charges. Notably, the judge chose not to impose a ban on her from keeping animals, citing her long history of horse care and the absence of prior concerns. Kelly explained her reasoning, stating that Greenhalgh’s actions were reckless rather than malicious and that her remorse appeared genuine.

Judge Kelly emphasized that disqualifying Greenhalgh from keeping horses would infringe upon her human rights, as horses are her livelihood and a significant part of her personal life. She also noted that Greenhalgh has no previous convictions and has committed to not offering winter livery services for the next ten years, effectively excluding her from providing stable care from November 1 to March 31 each year. The RSPCA retains the right to pursue further legal action if Greenhalgh breaches this agreement, with any violations to be addressed before the same district judge.

Claire Gordon of World Horse Welfare expressed her support for the investigation and praised Greenhalgh’s decision to plead guilty, acknowledging her failure to recognize her limits and reject help. She highlighted that the suffering of the horses could have been prevented if Greenhalgh had accepted assistance or acknowledged her inability to manage the situation properly. Gordon concluded by stating that the owners could have had their horses returned if Greenhalgh had been honest about her capacity, but instead, she allowed them to endure unnecessary suffering.