Sir, - Following a short and not very sweet visit to Smithfield horse market on Sunday, September 6th, I feel I must write to you to plead for something to be done about this so-called traditional horse fair.I believe that there is nothing traditional about the mistreatment of horses or of any animal. I was horrified to see an underweight, sickly-looking animal standing in the rain on four "curling" hooves; a pregnant mare being prodded and kicked, obviously for the amusement of four or five teenage boys; a foal being cantered down hard cobblestone with a boy on the animal's back; another young person on a piebald gelding cantering through the crowd while being chased by three or four boys, hitting the gelding from behind with a lunge whip. Many of the horses had very bad rope-burns on their faces from home-made bridles and headcollars.Unlike many who criticise what they know nothing about, I have 10 years' experience in horse handling and care and what I saw yesterday goes against every rule I have ever learned. Having a pony myself, I realise that it is a privilege and a joy to own your own horse, and just to think that anyone could neglect such an animal is cruelty itself.My friend and I are willing to start a petition to see Smithfied horse market closed, or stricter regulations enforced. I feel very strongly about this matter and with some help, I hope to take it further. - Yours, etc.,Katie Phelan,
The Gralagh,
Garristown,
Co Dublin.