AN investigation is under way after a ‘sickening attack’ on a gentle natured heavy horse in rural south Cumbria.

‘Evil’ attackers drove a two-and-half-foot sharpened stake into the vulva of Clydesdale mare Skye at the Cumbrian Heavy Horse Centre in the Whicham Valley, near Broughton-in-Furness.

Amazingly, the eight-year-old horse survived and is recovering from internal injuries after a lengthy surgical procedure.

But the centre’s owner Annie Rose said she has been left ‘scared’ by the incident, and is warning horse owners in the county to keep their animals safe.

Ms Rose is appealing for anyone with information that could help catch the ‘psychos’ who hurt Skye to come forward.

“This was a malicious attack that was designed to kill,” she said. “We suspect it’s either someone local who has a grudge against us for reasons we don’t understand, or someone random and just plain evil.”

The attack, which is believed to have involved at least two people, happened on Saturday when Skye was in her paddock for the night, along with several other horses.

Ms Rose recalled: “First thing in the morning the team went out to get the horses and I heard someone shouting, telling me to come look at Skye.

“She was so docile, almost like she was in shock. I saw blood running down her leg and then the end of the stick – at first I thought she’d impaled herself on something.

“When I realised someone had done that to her I was so disgusted I nearly passed out.”

Thankfully, the stake was deflected downwards by Skye’s musculature, and missed all her major blood vessels.

“We’ve had her for four years and she is such a lovely, kind horse,” said Ms Rose. “She would have trusted them – that’s the heartbreaking thing.”

RSPCA Inspector Chris Towler, who is investigating the case, said ‘thankfully’ attacks of this nature are rare.

“In 30 years of doing this job it’s only the second case I have seen of attacks on the genitalia of horses.

“The nature of the attack puts it on a different level – this isn’t someone lashing out, it’s clearly designed to damage the rear end.

“I’m just hoping that this was a malicious attack on that particular animal and not the start of a pattern, because that would be absolutely horrendous.”

Mr Towler added: “Without being alarmist, every equine owner in the area should ensure as best they can that their animals are secured.”

Cumbria Police have also attended the scene, and anyone with information about the attack is urged to call them on 101 or the RSPCA’s Cruelty Hotline on 0300 123 4999.