Stagecoach Horse Collapses at Knott's, Gets Trampled by Fellow Steed
A stagecoach horse collapsed in front of Knott's Berry Farm parkgoers on Sunday, prompting people to question the park's treatment of its animals.
Parkgoers waiting in line watched in horror as Mike, the 12-year-old animal, fell to the ground. Lindsey Herrod and her family told KTLA that the stagecoach ride horses looked exhausted. She said that Mike began trembling and then collapsed. Harnessed to three other horses, Mike "was kind of, like, getting dragged this way," said Herrod, adding that "in the meantime, [another] horse is trampling on it, and I think he was trampling on its face."
Herrod also said that blood appeared to be coming from the fallen animal's mouth.
On a side note, where's PETA?
Knott's emailed a statement to KTLA, which read, "The horse received medical attention that night, but the veterinarian in attendance was not clear as to what caused the fall. The horse is still under doctor's care until we can determine the root cause of the animal's behavior."
Jennifer Blazey, park spokeswoman, said the veterinarian who treated Mike found no apparent reason for his collapse. He was expected to check on the horse again on Tuesday.
Blazey detailed the horses' work schedule, stating that they work two or three days a week for four-hour durations. Fifty horses are used in the ride, and about 20 employees care for the animals.
