Appleby Horse Fair takes place every June and attracts some 30,000 visitors who come to see horses being paraded, raced and bathed, and to get a taste of what they think is a Romany tradition that supposedly dates back to 1685.
The reality of this event is quite different. The Fair made national news in 2007 when one of the horses was drowned in the River Eden many of the riders seem to regard it as a macho challenge to completely submerge their horse under water. The river, whilst shallow at one side, has a steep ledge about half way across and horses easily lose their footing.
Animal Aid filmed at the 2009 Fair and captured many instances of animal cruelty. Please contact Eden District Council and demand that they ban the horse fair. Tradition is no excuse for animal cruelty. Visit our website http://www.animalaid.org.uk for contact details and more information.
