News, 14 polo horses reportedly die in Wellington before polo match. (veterinarian, animals)

JD59 · 04-19-2009, 11:58 PM

WELLINGTON — At least 14 horses died Sunday after collapsing before a polo match. Vets hooked up intravenous tubes to the sick horses and fought to help them breathe as the horses from the Lechuza Caracas team were stricken by an unknown illness, officials said.

"Some died right away. Others lasted about 45 minutes," said veterinarian Scott Swerdlin, a member of the Palm Beach Equine Clinic who was at the scene and said 14 horses died.

14 polo horses reportedly die in Wellington before polo match (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2009/04/19/0419sickhorses.html?imw=Y - broken link)

Woof Woof Woof! · 04-20-2009, 12:16 PM

I read about this early this morning. They believe it was some sort of toxin in the food supply. How tragic and horrible.

Bluw · 04-20-2009, 12:21 PM

That many horses on one team to die so suddenly sounds like poison. May be accidental, but that would be my guess.

phonelady61 · 04-20-2009, 12:39 PM

I was going to say a food toxin or poison as well . Truely sad since I think horses are the best of the equine world and I like some horses better than some people .

kansas sky · 04-20-2009, 12:56 PM

What a terrifying story! I hope they find out the cause soon.

Woof Woof Woof! · 04-20-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kansas sky

What a terrifying story! I hope they find out the cause soon.

My guess is they already suspect the cause and are waiting for verification.

Woof Woof Woof! · 04-20-2009, 05:45 PM

The latest news now says they suspect poison.

Summerz · 04-20-2009, 05:46 PM

So sad and scary!

miu · 04-20-2009, 07:17 PM

21 polo horses died. They were between 10 and 11 years old. Each one was valued at $100,000. When I first heard the story on the radio, I felt sick to my stomach. I'm really glad I wasn't there when it happened. I feel badly for the people who were there and were trying to help the horses.

When I was a teen, I went through a horsey phase and got my parents to let me have riding lessons. Even though I no longer have any desire to own a horse, I still think them beautiful and wonderful animals.

miu · 04-21-2009, 06:01 PM

Here's another story about the ponies and also their training and lifestyle.

Polo ponies are pampered, beloved, hard-trained athletes - CNN.com