Three Horses Slashed near Frying Pan Park; Police Search for Suspect

Three horses were wounded near Frying Pan Farm Park in the 2600 block of Centreville Road, and the Fairfax County Police are asking for the public's assistance in finding out who harmed the horses.

The horses belong to the Spirit Open Equestrian Program, which teaches people with disabilities how to ride horses. The horses reside on a paddock adjacent to Frying Pan Farm Park and the program uses FPFP facilities. The horses were cut by a sharp object on their hind quarters, leaving about eight-inch gashes. Police say the horses were hurt between 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25 and 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 26. 

All three horses that were cut needed immediate medical attention, though the wounds do not appear to be life threatening, according to a Fairfax County police press release. The program's Executive Director, Dada Suvak, said, "They will be fine after some therapy and rest, but it left us feeling hurt, angry and very vulnerable." 

Police say employees of Frying Pan Farm Park saw a man stumbling around the park around 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 26. He is described as white, about 5-feet 8-inches tall, and about 160 pounds. It is not known if he was involved in the incident. 

Anyone who may have been in or near the park during the time frame of the incident and recalls seeing anything suspicious is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-8477, send an email from www.FairfaxCrimeSolvers.org, or call the Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131. 

The Spirit Open Equestrian Program has six horses and operates on a small budget with donations and volunteers. To learn more about how to volunteer with or assist the program, visit Spirit Open Equestrian's blog here.

Patch will have more on this story later Friday.

Correction: The incident did not happen on Frying Pan Farm Park property but on a paddock adjacent to the property.

Does this incident make you fear for your horse's safety? Tell us in the comments.