Appleby Horse Fair

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Liss

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19 March 2007
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Llanelli, South Wales, UK
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Hi, ive heard of Appleby Horse Fair where mostly Gypsy cobs are sold, but also many other types too. i was wondering if anyone had been to this horse fair, what they thought of it and if they had bought a horse there or know anyone who has?
 
ive seen it on the telly,its pretty mad !!!
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Hi, i went to appleby a few years ago, parts of it are ok but i diddnt like the horses being raced up and down the roads all day, some of them were getting a good whipping just because they were worn out and needed a rest.
Some of the foals are VERY young and i dont think its right for them to be standing day after day at the fair being kicked and squashed by the bigger horses.
 
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its great fun.


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If you like seeing horses made to race up the hill - one collapsed and died last year. Not my idea of great fun.
 
A friend of mine keeps asking me to go with her again, and I keep saying no. I can't stand the abuse that goes on.

Of course, I'm not taring everyone with the same brush; there are some good owners there too.
 
Appleby horse fair has changed over the years.As for the abuse i have rarely seen any in all the years i have gone there is police and RSPCA inspectors all over the village and on the fair.
 
I personally wouldn't go of what I've seen and heard, but each to their own, I know one mare was left dead by the side of the road one year, just been ridden to death, foals being deserted, plus care and concern doesnt seem to come into fact as far as some of the sellers are concerned.
 
I'm not generalising, there are some good people there who really care for their horses and some of the traditional cobs can be stunning! The trotters there for the racing can look very lean but it's the type not neglect or lack of feeding and wow, they can really move! The rest of it is truly disgusting, horses being knocked about and driven to nearly a standstill, small boys with sticks who feel they have to clout any passing animals and loads of young ponies crammed together in tiny fenced areas with no food or water. Don't try to use any toilet facilities on the hill as they will be filthy as will any wooded areas which will also have been used as a toilet, the village loos will have been taken over by travellers and turned into a sewer. If you see any cruelty (which you will) don't interfere under any circumstances! Watch your wallet and if you are in the trot area and you hear people shouting get off the road asap as possibly more than one horse will be coming down at an incredibly fast pace and they can't stop.

When I first went maybe 40 years ago when it was a truly Romany event, I don't remember it being as manic and certaintly not as dirty, people would invite you to look at their bowtops and horses, they had pride which seems sadly lacking now!
 
Im not being funny (honestly!) But there is a reason why there are so many RSPCA and police officers........need I say more. I know of some of the travellers that go there and they are scum of the earth from the way they treat their horses.
 
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