Huntsman 'punches horse in head' and 'berates' animal after 'failed jump'

A rider appeared to punch a horse in the head after the animal failed to make a jump on a fox hunt, witnesses claim.

The incident took place during a hunt in Tre-Mostyn, North Wales, last Saturday, which was also attended by North Wales Police, it is reported.

North Wales Hunt Saboteurs (NWHS) posted the footage on Facebook, which they allege shows a member of the Flint & Denbigh Hunt hitting and swearing at the horse.

One of the anti-hunt protesters, Dafydd Hughes, told NorthWalesLive: "It was a fox hunting meet of the Flint and Denbigh hunt who set off from Wern farm on the Mostyn Estate."

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Mr Hughes said the hunt "mostly behaved themselves" but a huntsman was filmed by the group riding at around 2.15pm, out of view of the police.

He claimed the footage showed the rider "hit his horse on the head calling it a 'f****** c***' after if failed to make a jump".

In a statement shared with The Mirror, the hunt said they do not condone the behaviour seen in the video.

A spokesperson said: "The hunt does not condone this type of conduct anywhere on or off the hunting field.

"We strive to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare at all times and expect our supporters to do the same."

After the incident, the footage was passed by NWHS to the police and the RSPCA.

A police spokesperson told NorthWalesLive: "Last weekend, officers were present in the Tre-Mostyn area to police the activity between the hunt and protesters.

Footage of the rider on the horse has now gone viral after being posted by North Wales Hunt Saboteurs (Footage of the rider on the horse has now gone viral after being posted by North Wales Hunt Saboteurs)

"We were also joined by officers from the Rural Crime Team who observed the laying of the trail for the hunt to follow. We are pleased to say that there were no incidents of note.

"We have however been made aware of a video circulating on social media involving a rider and horse. The matter has been referred to our Rural Crime Team to review."

On behalf of the RSPCA, a spokesperson said: "We will always look into complaints about animal welfare that are reported to us. We would urge people with first hand knowledge about this incident to report it to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999."

North Wales Live approached the Flint and Denbigh Hunt to comment on the claims made by the saboteurs.