In a truly horrifying case of horse abduction and slaughter, it has been reported that a top-level grand prix prospect, the 12-year-old Selle Francais-gelding Phedras De Blondrel, was stolen from its stall and slaughtered on the property of Centennial Farm, the Palmetto in Florida. Phedras De Blondrel, (Fetiche De Pas SF x Belphegor IV) was found dead with large pieces of meat removed from his body on Sunday morning, October 25th. Stephens was at home on the property at the time of the abduction, asleep in her house that is attached to the barn. The horse, who had arrived to Stephens’ farm just 48 hours prior to the gruesome discovery, was a successful CSI2* jumper with recent top finishes in grand prix competition at Le Pin and Le Mans, France. Trained and brought up the levels by French rider Christian Hermon, Phedras De Blondrel was sold by Nicolas Paillot and Arly Golombek on October 18th, and was shipped to the United States this week. He left quarantine at Miami International Airport on Thursday, October 22nd and was transported to the Stephens’ farm by horse van, arriving late Thursday night. He was meant to continue his grand prix career in the United States. The news comes on the heels of the shutdown of several illegal Palm Beach County slaughterhouses, which were located just miles from the famed Wellington Equestrian Festival showgrounds. That animal cruelty bust was the largest in U.S. history, but this horrific news is certain proof that illegal slaughter remains a rampant, and terrifying problem in the state of Florida. Neither Debbie nor Steve Stephens could be reached for comment at this time.
