Mar 20, 2009

Press Release re Expo

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE NEBRASKA HORSE COUNCIL
AND THE NEBRASKA HORSE EXPO

The Nebraska Horse Council has been inundated with questions and comments relating to the unfortunate incident at the Nebraska Horse Expo last weekend in which a toddler was injured. In an effort to respond to these inquires we would like to offer the following:

The Nebraska Horse Council is a non-profit organization with the mission to unite, inform and represent Nebraska’s equine community. The purpose of the annual Nebraska Horse Expo is to provide a venue for equine enthusiasts and the public to obtain information and education about the equine industry.

The equine involved in the incident was an 8 month old mule colt. At the time of the incident the mule, its owner and other equine were in a staging area not intended for public display. The animals were waiting to move to the main arena in preparation for the evening “Parade of Breeds.” Efforts were made through the use of concrete barriers, signage, and event volunteers to create separation between vehicle traffic, pedestrians and equine traffic. Without the permission or knowledge of the owner, the mule colt was approached from behind by the child. No one representing the child’s family was asked to leave the Lancaster Event Center when they returned on Saturday evening with questions. They were provided with contact information for both the President and Vice-President of the Council and Co-Chairs for the Nebraska Horse Expo.

The Nebraska Horse Council feels deep sympathy and concern for the injured child. Our prayers are with her and her family for a speedy recovery.

3 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:54 PM

    Thank goodness the other side of the story has finally been bought out!! there are always 2 sides to every story.
    I hope every parent has learned something from this accident, keep your children in your arms and watch them around strange animals.
    My daughter has been injured though out the many years she has owned horse's almost all her life, since she was 6 years of age she is in her forties now, never take it for granted they are very skittish animals, and we all feel bad about the baby, please parents watch the children around animals you know nothing about!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous7:52 AM

    I Feel sorry for that small child, but that child should not of been walking around buy her self. The perants should be charged with child abuse. I have rode and been around horses for 50 years, what most people don't under stand is how fast you can get hurt.You can't trust them 100%. They are animals!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is a beautifully stated release. Clear, concise, and truthful.

    We all wish for a quick and full recovery for the child. It is imperative that parents look out for the safety of their children in any given situation.

    This was a very unfortunate incident, but the Expo Committee, the Nebraska Horse Council, and the owner were in no way negligent.

    ReplyDelete

I am so glad you stopped by and look forward to hearing from you! Do come again.