Brazo County, Texas, is rural horse country and it’s often a wellspring of unusual horsey news stories. A case in point is the recent shooting of a Miniature Horse that had gotten loose from his own pasture and invaded a neighboring herd of full-sized equines. The randy little stallion then began attacking the horses. At least that’s the story from the horses’ owner, an off-duty cop who was tired of the scenario. This was the second time that the wayward, aggressive Miniature stallion had come calling at his ranch. The Mini, which stood just over 30 inches tall, was shot and killed by local police officer Damian Anderson. He claimed that he was simply protecting his livestock, and was prompted to take the action after his horses had been injured by the Mini, named Santi, eight months ago. Back then, Santi’s owner had offered to make amends by paying Anderson’s vet bills. The type of injuries Santi had inflicted, if any, were not revealed in news reports.
Brandi Hamlin, Santi’s distraught owner, told news sources that the Miniature stallion was a pet that ate carrots and treats out of her hand and was easily subdued. Law enforcement officials are investigating to see if Anderson violated animal cruelty laws. However, under Texas state law a citizen does have the right to protect their livestock from harm.
Cindy HaleCindy Hale’s life with horses has been filled with variety. As a child she rode western and learned to barrel race. Then she worked as a groom for a show barn, and was taught to harness and drive Welsh ponies. But once she’d taken her first lessons aboard American Saddlebreds she was hooked on English riding. Hunters and hunt seat equitation came next, and she spent decades competing in those divisions on the West Coast. Always seeking to improve her horsemanship, she rode in clinics conducted by world-class riders like George Morris, Kathy Kusner and Anne Kursinski. During that time, her family began raising Thoroughbred and warmblood sport horses, and Cindy experienced the thrills and challenges of training and showing the homebred greenies. Now retired from active competition, she’s a popular judge at local and county-rated open and hunter/jumper shows. She rides recreationally both English and western. Her Paint gelding, Wally, lives at home with her and her non-horsey husband, Ron.