Horse plunge tradition to go on

Thousands of travellers attend the horse fair every June

The controversial tradition of immersing horses in a river is to continue at a Cumbrian horse fair.

Last year a man was jailed after a pony drowned at the Appleby Horse Fair, as he performed a ritual "washing".

The British Horse Society called for the practice at the annual June fair, which attracts up to 60,000 visitors, to be banned.

But revamped management arrangements for the 2008 fair, will allow the washing of animals to continue.

In the wake of last year's tragedy, a multi-agency strategic co-ordinating group has been formed to take operational control of the event - the oldest of its type in Europe.

The group includes local authorities, Cumbria Police, the Environment Agency and the RSPCA.

Improvements include a more stable ramp, which can be used by horse owners to take animals into the nearby river.

'Safe and enjoyable'

Kevin Douglas, chief executive of Eden District Council and chair of the Appleby Fair Strategic Group, said: "We are keen to involve the volunteers, local people and businesses who have always helped to ensure a safe and enjoyable event in Appleby for the thousands of visitors who flock to the event every year."

RSPCA chief inspector Rob Melloy, who will be in charge of the team at Appleby this year, said: "The RSPCA accepts that horse washing is part of the fabric of Appleby Horse Fair.

"Our priority is to make sure it is carried out safely.

"Improvements are being made to the ramp ahead of this year's fair, specifically an extension and the addition of a non-slip surface, which we hope will make getting in and out of the river less dangerous."