LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB/WAVE) — An investigation is underway after a horse was electrocuted Wednesday night before the opening of the Kentucky State Fair.
According to fair spokesperson Ian Cox, the horse was stabled in Tent F on the Kentucky Exposition Center grounds. "Out of an abundance of caution," all other animals in the tent were evacuated, officials said.
"Our deepest sympathies are with the horse's owner, trainer, and caretakers," Cox said in a statement.
Lisa Lesch trained the 5-year-old Saddlebred, Mr. Spots, from a stable in Salem, Oregon. Lesch said it happened around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday when the stable was setting up decorations during feeding. She said Mr. Spots began jumping and running in circles in his stall, acting like he was getting bit.Â
Lesch said she took him out and checked him, but didn't see anything wrong. When she took him back into the stall, the behavior started again, so she called the on-site vet. When she led him out of the stall again his hoof, which had a horseshoe on it, stepped on a metal crossbar, electrocuting him. Lesch said the whole incident lasted 10 minutes. That's when they evacuated the barn and workers began checking and testing temporary power boxes.
Kentucky Venues said Thursday electrical inspectors are inspecting the property "to verify compliance with stated policies."
Lesch said a fair official confiscated a power cable she taped up on top of the stalls. A groom from another stable reported he was shocked when he tried to plug in a cord to the power box before Mr. Spots began acting up. Another stable in the temporary barn next door had five fans short out.
"We are grateful to the exhibitors, trainers, and staff who moved quickly and calmly to get these horses to safety," Cox said. "Our focus remains on the welfare of every animal on these grounds."
This story may be updated.
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