A STABLE owner could face prison after four horses were found starving to death.

Kate Greenhalgh was trusted to look after the animals at a farm near the village of Fernhurst in Sussex.

Among her clients was Team GB Olympic rider Gemma Tattersall, and horse owner Nicky Cochran.

The 30-year-old was herself an equestrian, but failed to take action when four horses in her care became unwell and were “obviously” malnourished.

One of the horses named Kai, belonging to Ms Cochran, was in so much pain that he had to be put down.

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court Greenhalgh admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, in breach of the Animal Welfare Act.

Daniel Frier, prosecuting, described how Ms Tattersall, a British event rider, had searched for professional livery stables to raise horses ready for competitions.

Brighton Magistrates Court

Brighton Magistrates Court

The Olympian said she had spent tens of thousands of pounds on her animals as part of a specialist breeding programme and had kept in contact with Greenhalgh after trusting her with three horses in October 2019.

She assumed that because Greenhalgh herself was a rider and equestrian, that she was able to deliver a professional service.

Ms Tattersall said: “I had told her she could contact me if anything was wrong. Although my horses were valuable, whatever the value a horse should be fed.

“As horse owners, we are all aware that they can pick up injuries, but these should be dealt with.

“When I saw the photos I was completely shocked. The horses' condition looked so poor, I couldn’t believe they were still alive.

“I have simply never seen any horse in that state before.”

Aug 9, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Gemma Tattersall (GBR) rides V Quicklook during equestrian eventing jumping in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Olympic Equestrian Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports.

Aug 9, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Gemma Tattersall (GBR) rides V Quicklook during equestrian eventing jumping in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Olympic Equestrian Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports.

Between December 2019 and February 2020, the condition of the horses dropped markedly as they were starving.

One horse developed a skin disease, while another became lame in one foot because Greenhalgh failed to contact a vet.

Ms Cochran said her horse Kai cost her family £3,000 and was their dream. He was bred and unique, and the impact of him dying has been shattering.

She said: “I was proud to have bought a foal with such special breeding. So standing in that field, watching my dream horse die was almost too difficult for words. I have been severely traumatised by what I witnessed.”

Ms Cochran said it has left her in anguish and struggling to trust people because of Greenhalgh, adding: “She turned our dream into our nightmare.”

District Judge Amanda Kelly told Greenhalgh, of Spinney North, Pulborough she could face a prison sentence.

“It is hard to imagine the extreme pain and suffering experienced by those poor animals,” the judge said. “The distress you have caused to their owners is immeasurable.”

Greenhalgh faces sentence next week.