LAS VEGAS — Authorities arrested a 17-year-old barrel racing participant over the weekend following accusations that she attacked three competing horses with a pocketknife at a Las Vegas venue, police and event officials reported.
Officers responded to reports of an injured animal early Saturday at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, located approximately 8 miles from the Strip and featuring an extensive equestrian facility. Investigators discovered that three horses had sustained injuries, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated.
Animal cruelty investigators identified the teenage girl, who had barn access, as a potential suspect. Police did not release the 17-year-old’s name but confirmed she faces 12 charges connected to animal maiming and torture, plus three counts of malicious destruction of private property, according to law enforcement and the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa.
The injured animals underwent medical care from the event’s on-site veterinarian for wounds that were not life-threatening. While the horses are anticipated to make full recoveries, they will be unable to compete in upcoming events.
The incident occurred during a National Barrel Horse Association competition where top performers earned substantial cash prizes. Barrel racing involves riders guiding their horses around barrels positioned in a cloverleaf formation within a timed format. The National Barrel Horse Association verified the teenager was participating in the Las Vegas competition.
“The safety and well-being of all guests, participants and equine athletes on property is our highest priority, and we are thankful that all the horses involved are safe,” the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa said in a statement to The Associated Press. “In over 20 years of having over 35 equestrian events each year, no horses have ever been purposely injured by a contestant at the South Point Arena.”
Three competitors shared their experiences on social media, describing how they discovered their horses with multiple stab wounds.
Arielle Phillips reported on Facebook that she observed the suspect near the barn housing her horse, Detail, shortly after midnight. Phillips explained she departed and returned moments later to discover the girl washing blood from her horse’s wounds.
A veterinarian confirmed Detail had been stabbed repeatedly, she stated.
“She is traumatized,” Phillips wrote of her horse. “Everytime she runs away from the approach of my hand, I burst into tears.”
Hailey Krahenbuhl’s horse, Saaul Good, nicknamed “Sully,” also suffered multiple stab wounds, she shared on Facebook. The pair had dominated U.S. barrel racing and claimed first place in their category Friday, just hours before the attack, the National Barrel Horse Association confirmed. Krahenbuhl earned $1,805 for the victory, organization records showed.
A third horse, Rocket, was stabbed three times, the owner reported.
