Days old foal slashed in neck - 4 May 2009

The black and white (piebald) mare, named Lily, was only four days old when she received the deep eight inch wound, running diagonally across her neck and narrowly missing her jugular vein.
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information about the incident, which is reported to have taken place at a farm which lies west of Cupar on Monday 25 May between 5.00pm and 8.00pm in the evening.
Scottish SPCA Inspector John Chisholm said, The field, which holds around 18 horses and ponies, is not on a roadside or even visible from the road, so it is unlikely that this was a chance attack.“Whoever did this was determined in their action as they would have had to approach a steading adjacent to the field, including a farm house. There are also two cottages on the other side of the field. “The foal was very inquisitive and trusting of human contact, making her vulnerable to the perpetrators. “Incredibly, she is still high spirited and just as curious, which is quite remarkable given the ordeal she has been through.”
Anyone with information should contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline: 03000 999 999 or Fife police.

Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre near Falkirk, which is in administration, is to close after a buyer failed to be found for the business.
A closing date for offers had been set after an extensive campaign to market the business for sale as a going concern. However no suitable offers were received, and the administrators will now undertake a managed wind down of the facility. The administrators will work with appropriate agencies to ensure new owners are found for all the remaining horses. Thereafter the facility will be managed on a care and maintenance basis, and the assets marketed for sale.
Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre is widely regarded as being amongst the best equestrian centres in the UK. The 50 acre site has an extensive range of facilities including 165 stables, international indoor arena with capacity for 200 spectators, lecture room, equestrian shop, outdoor arena and a 40 acre paddock. The Centre also provided a wide range of coaching, livery, grooming and competition training. However, cash flow problems and a lack of funding resulted in the company being placed in administration.
Joint administrator Tom MacLennan, Director with Tenon Recovery, said: “We have continued to trade the business for over three months, and undertaken an extensive campaign to attract interested parties. Unfortunately, despite extensive efforts, we very much regret that a buyer has not been found. I would like to thank the staff, suppliers and customers for their support during this difficult period. We now have no alternative but to close Kingsbarn and will be marketing the assets for sale in the usual manner”.