A teenage girl was arrested on Saturday after an investigation into the intentional stabbing of three horses at a barrel racing event in Las Vegas.
The incident occurred at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center, which was hosting a National Barrel Horse Association event.
>>> Teen Arrested for Stabbing Three Horses at Las Vegas Barrel Racing Event
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to an animal injury report at a barn on Las Vegas Boulevard South around 2:07 a.
m.
They found three horses had been stabbed with a sharp object, believed to be a knife.
Animal cruelty detectives identified a teenage female competitor who had access to the barn as the primary suspect.
Police located the suspect at a nearby hotel and booked her into the Clark County Juvenile Hall.
The minor faces 12 counts of willful or malicious killing, maiming, or torturing of an animal, along with three felony counts of malicious destruction of private property exceeding $5,000.
Association Responds
The National Barrel Horse Association released a statement on Facebook, calling the assault an isolated incident.
“The individual involved has been removed and placed in the care of authorities, and there is no ongoing threat of any kind,” the statement said.
>>> Police Arrest Suspect After Three Horses Stabbed at Las Vegas Show
The association noted that the injuries were not life-threatening but are expected to prevent the affected horses from competing further in the event.
Cali Raymer, a 17-year-old competitor from Las Vegas, said she knew the suspect and had talked to her a few times.
“It’s kind of scary that something like that would happen here,” Raymer said.
Owners of the injured horses shared details on social media.
Hailey Krahenbuhl reported her horse, Saaul Good (Sully), is recovering from multiple stab wounds after veterinary treatment, while her second horse, Foxy, was unharmed.
Arielle Phillips found her mare, Detail, loose and bleeding after being left briefly. A veterinarian stitched the horse's wounds at the stall.
Keira Weisbart said her horse, Rocket, sustained three stab wounds and several attempted cuts.
She clarified she does not hold the South Point venue responsible and noted that Rocket received stitches and is expected to fully recover.
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The investigation remains active. The 2026 NBHA Professional’s Choice Vegas Super Show is scheduled to continue through Sunday, May 31.
