WASHINGTON – A nonprofit in Herndon is in disbelief after they found three of their therapy horses had been attacked and required veterinary attention.
The three horses were stabbed overnight on Wednesday at the farm where they’re kept on the 2600 block of Centreville Road, near Frying Pan Park.
The animals are a part of the Spirit Open Equestrian Program, a therapeutic riding center for autistic kids and disabled adults. The center has six horses total, but only two small enough for children, both of which were attacked along with one larger horse.
“It does therapy for children, adults and veterans,” says Jayna Rossi, a volunteer. “It just breaks my heart.”
A neighboring farm has loaned Spirit some horses so classes can continue, but the children’s program has been suspended for one week.
Frying Pan Park officials say a white man was seen stumbling around the park around 11 a.m. on Thursday. He is described as about 5 feet 8 inches and 160 pounds. Police don’t know if he was involved in the incident.
The injuries are not thought to be life threatening and the horses are expected to recover.
Anyone with information is asked to call Fairfax County Police, (703) 691-2131.
WTOP’s John Aaron contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.
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