AN UNCLE of a woman who was filmed hitting and kicking a horse has defended the primary school teacher, claiming that she was "telling it off."

Sarah Moulds, 37, is reportedly in fear for her life after getting death threats when footage emerged of her lashing out at the distressed horse.

Family members have now told how she has gone into hiding – and are defending her actions.

Her uncle, David Kirkham, said his niece “absolutely loves her horses”.

He said: “She is a very upright person, a fantastic person who absolutely loves her horses. 

“I’ve seen the video but we don't know what the horse had been doing and if it was out of control. 

“But we know it ran out onto the road and she told it off. There was no malice intended.

“She was reprimanding the horse. I have no idea if it is her horse, I expect it is because it was by her horsebox.”

It comes as last night, chiefs at Somerby Primary School said the mum-of-two has been suspended from her role pending an investigation into alleged animal cruelty.

The RSPCA is investigating the "really upsetting" footage, which has been viewed more than two million times.

In the sickening video, a female rider is seen lashing out at a white pony after it ran into the road.

Mrs Moulds, who is thought to be a team leader of her local Pony Club, has closed down her social media accounts and is said to be staying at a secret location after receiving abuse and threats.

A statement released this evening from Mowbray Education Trust states: “We can confirm that a member of staff has been suspended pending a formal investigation into an incident that occurred at the weekend.

“We will not be making any further comment while the investigation is in progress."

He added: "Sarah is the most stable, upright person I know and she is a good horsewoman. She is very well thought of and respected."

A neighbour and fellow rider in her home village near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, told Sun Online: “She’s had to go away after receiving death threats and loads of vile abuse.

'FEARS FOR HER LIFE'

"It’s awful and has got very much out of hand. She fears for her life.”

The woman added: “She has young children and she is worried about them as well as herself.

"She’s well known and respected in equestrian circles and her social media was bombarded with comments from very angry people after the video went viral and she’s now had to close it down.”

The neighbour, who didn’t want to be named, declined to comment on the alleged abuse, saying: “I don’t know what happened and in what context but what is now happening to Sarah is horrible.

“She’s terrified of being in her own home in case someone targets her or her kids there.”

An RSPCA card with a handwritten note has been pinned to the front door of her house where she lives with husband David.

It said: “Please get in contact ASAP."

Mrs Moulds has now been axed from her volunteer position with her local Pony Club, one of the world's largest equestrian organisations for young people.

A Pony Club spokesman said: "We are aware of the video circulating showing unacceptable treatment of a pony and we wholeheartedly condemn this behaviour.

She’s had to go away after receiving death threats and loads of vile abuse

"The welfare of horses and ponies is of the utmost importance to The Pony Club, therefore the lady in question has been removed from her voluntary position as a team organiser for a Branch.

"The Pony Club is a youth membership organisation and as such, she is not a member of The Pony Club."

The footage was shared by Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs, an anti-hunting group, who posted the horror footage online after monitoring the event.

As well as working as a teacher, Mrs Moulds is thought to be the director of a pre-school in Leicestershire.

Mrs Moulds is believed to be part of Cottesmore Hunt, a foxhound hunting pack based in Rutland, and was surrounded by other riders at the time of the incident.

RSPCA PROBE

Cottesmore Hunt reportedly said it did not condone the actions shown in the video "under any circumstances".

After the horror footage was posted online dozens of people contacted the RSPCA to report the incident.

Members of the public have also slammed the rider online, with one writing: "This is unacceptable!!!

“That poor horse was hit and kicked. Every day more shocking evidence emerges of the violent cruelty these hunts inflict on innocent animals.

"Ridiculous that they are allowed to get away with it."

Another added: "As a horsewoman myself, nothing makes me angrier than seeing footage such as this. It is shameful. There is absolutely no excuse for this behaviour.

"No matter how frustrated you are, no matter if you’ve had a bad day. Horses are so sensitive. What a way to make them head shy."

An RSPCA spokesman said: "This footage is really upsetting. We will always look into complaints made to us about animal welfare.

"We would urge anyone with first hand information about this incident to contact us on 0300 123 4999."

The Hunting Office condemned the actions of the woman, saying she is not a member of the hunting associations.

A spokesman from the Hunting Office said: "The Hunting Office expects the highest level of animal welfare at all times – both on and off the hunting field – and condemns the actions taken by this individual, who is not a member of the hunting associations."

Source: Read Full Article