Hampshire police and crime commissioner Donna Jones promises full probe into Tracy Cooper Drive of horses through New Forest amid animal welfare concerns

A POLICE chief has vowed animal welfare concerns surrounding last weekend’s New Forest traveller horse drive will be thoroughly investigated.

Hampshire police and crime commissioner Donna Jones was due to have met county, district and parish councillors yesterday (Wednesday) regarding the Tracy Cooper Drive.

As reported by the A&T, one animal had to be put down and several cruelty allegations were levelled at participants.

A Brockenhurst beauty spot also had to be cordoned off after nails and broken glass were found in a suspected bid to sabotage the event.

On Saturday a horse broke its leg in two places after being reportedly driven over a cattle grid on Woodlands Road in Ashurst.

The animal was euthanised by a local vet.

Tracy Cooper, who runs the annual two-day drive bearing her name, has spoken out against claims any of the horses were mistreated.

Stressing the fatality was “an accident” and “not intentional”, she pointed out it did not take place during the event itself.

“[The rider] had never been down here to the New Forest before and didn’t know the roads very well,” Ms Cooper said.

“He took his eyes off the road for a second to turn and ask the person following him a question and when he turned back around it was a matter of it being too late.”

Police had to close off the river and bank at Balmer Lawn in Brockenhurst after it was discovered nails had been strewn all over the grass and broken glass scattered over the bank and thrown in the river. Three trees had also had gallons of diesel thrown over them.

Participants had been due to pass through the area and cool their horses in the river.

This apparent sabotage bid was slammed by animal campaigner Gilly Jones.

Addressing those responsible, she said: “You might not have liked the idea of the event taking place, but you have put so many more animals in direct danger.”

Responding to concerns raised to her by residents, the police and crime commissioner said officers were reviewing the weekend’s events to prepare for those in the future.

This work is being carried out in collaboration with organisations including New Forest District Council, Highways England, the RSPCA and Forestry England.

PCC Jones explained: “The incidents were very concerning for road users.

“The ride-out caused a traffic backlog in an already busy seasonal area and it is so sad that a horse had to be put down.

“I have been in contact with the local policing team in the New Forest to make sure that the incidents are being thoroughly looked into.”

She added: “At this time of year, we see an increased number of visitors to this beautiful part of Hampshire and I want to reassure the local communities and those who are planning to visit that every measure is being taken to review and investigate the incidents.”

Travellers from all over the UK come to the New Forest to take part in the event, which was previously known as the Danny Cooper Drive.