A horse was put down and a beauty spot littered with tacks and broken glass during a travellers' annual meet in the New Forest . Police have launched an investigation after a pony broke its leg at a cattle grid and sharp objects were scattered at a popular picnic spot. The two incidents - previously reported by the Daily Echo - took place during the Tracy Cooper Drive at the weekend.
A horse pulling a cart is reported to have broken its leg in two places at a cattle grid in Woodlands Road, Ashurst. Balmer Lawn, Brockenhurst, was cordoned off by police after the area was left littered with sharp objects (Image: Newsquest) Its death has sparked fury on social media, with animal lovers accusing the travellers of failing to ensure the welfare of their horses. They have also condemned the people responsible for littering part of the eight-mile route with dangerous objects that could have injured people and animals.
The vandalism at Balmer Lawn in Brockenhurst has led to speculation that someone set out to sabotage the event. The riverside site was shut by Forestry England to enable the travellers to cool their horses. But when police turned up to monitor the closure officers found it had been littered with tacks, screws, and broken glass.
Balmer Lawn at Brockenhurst was cordoned off by police after the area was left littered with sharp objects (Image: Newsquest) Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that a horse suffered a broken leg at Ashurst and had to be put down by a vet. Asked ab.