P.E.I. horse trainer gets 30-day suspension for striking horse
A Charlottetown horse coach and proprietor has acquired a 30-day suspension from the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Fee for putting a horse.
A criticism about Adam Merner’s behaviour was introduced ahead by a member of the general public after an incident on the Pink Shores racetrack in Charlottetown on Oct. 26, 2022.
Merner has been concerned within the harness racing trade his total life and runs a secure of 18 horses at Pink Shores together with his companion.
A panel convened by the fee carried out a listening to for Merner and issued a six-page ruling on Nov. 29.
Horse had no accidents, says vet
Video of the incident captured by Pink Shores safety cameras exhibits Merner intervening when a horse is performing up and trying to exit the observe, the panel wrote within the ruling.
“Mr. Merner might be seen putting the horse in or across the head or neck space with a rein,” stated the panel’s ruling.
The panel heard from a number of witnesses, together with Merner, his lawyer, individuals who noticed the incident in-person, and a veterinarian who examined the horse in query.
“She reported that she noticed no accidents or blemishes on the horse’s left facet,” the ruling stated of the veterinarian’s proof.
In his testimony, Merner stated he was attempting to right the behaviour of the horse and keep away from a harmful state of affairs, stated the ruling.
He additionally stated that he struck the horse on the shoulder, not the pinnacle, as was alleged by the member of the general public.
“The APHRC accepted that Mr. Merner’s intention was to right the horse’s behaviour and to not injure the horse,” the panel wrote within the ruling.
“Even in such circumstances, the APHRC decided that the actions of Mr. Merner weren’t acceptable or acceptable. The well being and security of the horses and members should be taken critically, whereas additionally considering the Public curiosity.”
The panel’s ruling gave Merner a 30-day suspension from the observe. That suspension included credit score for time served and ended Nov. 29.
Officers with Pink Shores didn’t present touch upon the ruling. CBC Information contacted Merner and his lawyer however didn’t hear again.
