Longstone Riding for Disabled in Armagh city cancelled sessions after a fence on their Mullinure Lane property was pulled down on the evening of March 2. Four of their five horses escaped, sustaining injuries, and were recovered near The Deanery area.

Yard Manager Debbie McKenna reported the horses returned with lacerations to legs and underbelly on one animal, lameness on another, a respiratory issue preventing riding on a third, and a fourth that had gone down. A vet assessed all four, prescribed at least one week of box rest with pain relief, and placed one under close monitoring.

The centre provides therapeutic and recreational support to children with additional needs, including those from Christian Brother’s Primary School and Lisanally Special Needs School. Sessions for these children were cancelled pending veterinary assessment.

Staff found evidence of a bonfire and a structure built from branches on the grounds. The centre has reported past incidents of cut wire fences and trespass. They have notified police and face substantial veterinary costs as a charity-run organisation.

Maintenance from St Luke’s Hospital repaired the fence. The centre plans to resume normal services after ensuring horse recovery.