Countywide : Horse Electrocuted in Accident at Fair

A show horse was electrocuted Thursday at the Orange County Fairgrounds in a freak accident caused when an electrical current surged through a piece of metal equipment used in grooming the animal.

According to fair officials, a metal cross tie in the mouth of the horse used to keep the animal steady became charged because of a faulty electrical connection. It occurred as workers tried to reinstate the electricity in the building after the power went out earlier in the day.

The incident occurred about 1 p.m. in the temporary equestrian center. Hundreds of horses slated to compete this weekend in equestrian competitions are housed in the center, according to Jill Lloyd, fair spokeswoman.

Trainer Gerry Rushton of Norco was grooming the 3-year-old Morgan horse when it was electrocuted, fair officials said. He not injured but was “a little shaken up,” Lloyd said.

Two other horses in the stable were removed immediately, LLoyd said, adding that the building has been inspected and the faulty connection removed. The estimated value of the horse was $10,000.