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Update (March 4, 2024): Inexplicably, despite video evidence, a jury in Texas found Quarter Horse trainer Rodolfo Sanchez not guilty of cruelty to a livestock animal. We weren’t in the courtroom, so we’re at a loss to understand how members of the jury could return this verdict after seeing the video of him beating a horse lying on the ground and tied to a tree. One witness for the defense actually blamed the horse, claiming that she was as dangerous as a serial killer!
Fortunately, Sanchez’s state license to train has lapsed and he has not yet renewed it. We’ve requested that the Texas Racing Commission revoke his license permanently.
While justice may not have been served, thankfully the filly has recovered and is now living in peace at a sanctuary. Video footage shows her happily taking treats and standing calmly as a farrier lifts her feet, showing no evidence that she’s anything but sweet and playful.
Quarter horse Fool for It was only 3 years old when this was done to her:
The footage shows a man, allegedly graded stakes–winning quarter horse trainer Rodolfo Sanchez, repeatedly hitting a horse with an object in Texas. The filly appears frightened and franticly tries to stand multiple times, and the beating continues even after she regains her footing. Thankfully, Fool for It reportedly is alive, has been seized by county officials, and is receiving care. But apparently, between 15 and 17 other horses are still in Sanchez’s care.
Sanchez seems unconcerned about horses’ welfare. He recently served a 60-day suspension issued by the Louisiana Racing Commission for a testosterone violation. He was arrested after beating Fool for It and is now facing a felony animal abuse charge. The Texas Racing Commission has also suspended him for the incident, and the suspension will remain in place until a formal hearing is scheduled. But anyone who abuses a horse and demonstrates a clear disregard for horse racing rules should never be allowed to race, train, or own horses.
Please ask the Texas Racing Commission to revoke Sanchez’s license permanently.