Moment horse is swept away in river while being washed at huge gypsy and traveller gathering

Published: 20:59, 8 June 2026 | Updated: 20:59, 8 June 2026 This is the moment a horse was swept away in a river while being washed at Europe's biggest traveller and gypsy gathering in Cumbria.  The black and white mare was captured bathing in the River Eden at Appleby Horse Fair in Appleby-in-Westmorland, an event that attracts around 10,000 people from travelling communities across Britain.  The horse, ridden by a young man, can be seen losing its grip while walking through the rain-swollen river, before being entirely submerged and swept away with the tide.  After fighting its way into shallower water, the animal regains its footing. However, it then heads down the river with people attempting to stop it amid fears it would drown.  Fortunately, as the horse continued downstream, it was captured by a specialist water rescue team from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, who had been alerted by the RSPCA of its presence in the water. The mare was eventually rescued at the town's bowling green and brought under control. It was then guided to the riverbank, where the RSPCA checked it over. Peter Kavanagh, the station manager of Cumbria Fire and Rescue, said his team acted 'quickly and decisively' to rescue the horse. He said:  'This was an incident which required speed of deployment so it really highlighted the benefit of having the team based in Appleby for the event. The black and white mare was captured bathing in the River Eden at Appleby Horse Fair before being entirely submerged and swept away with the tide The horse, ridden by a young man, lost its grip while walking through the rain-swollen river Fortunately, as the horse continued downstream, it was captured by a specialist water rescue team The mare was eventually rescued at the town's bowling green and brought under control 'A thank you to partners for their support during the incident and, of course, to the team themselves who were able to resolve what was becoming a concerning situation.' After the horse made it back to dry land, the RSPCA's water rescue officers were on the riverbank offering advice and staff from Bransby Horses and Blue Cross were on hand to assist with horse handling. Lyndsey Taylor, an RSPCA inspector, said: 'The fire and rescue team did a brilliant job at getting this horse out of the water, digging a ramp out of the river bank and leading her to safety. 'The horse was checked over by one of the Appleby Horse Project's vets, who attends the Fair as part of the animal welfare team from private practice, and the rider was given advice. 'Fortunately, although stressed and cold the horse was okay thanks to all of those involved.' The rescue comes as Cumbria Police have employed the use of AI facial recognition to ensure trouble is kept at bay at the festival, which is celebrating its 250th year. The scale of the event saw more than 200 officers on duty across the weekend, making it one of Cumbria Police's busiest times. However, the festival was not without its perils, with reports of incidents including a black woman being whipped and subject to racial abuse.    Appleby Horse Fair is celebrating its 250th year Cumbria Police have employed the use of AI facial recognition to ensure trouble is kept at bay at the festival John Reilly, founder of the Gypsy and Traveller League, condemned the occurrence as 'not acceptable'.  He said: 'Yesterday, a black woman trading at the market was subjected to racist abuse and was even whipped by a group of young lads. 'An Asian family who had travelled there to make an honest living also received abuse and racist comments, and sadly felt they had no choice but to leave. To make matters worse, a pair of boots was stolen from their stall that was £130. 'We spend so much time fighting racism and discrimination against our own community, yet some of our young people think it is acceptable to direct the same abuse towards others.  'It is not acceptable. Racism is wrong, regardless of who it is aimed at.' Appleby Fair Communities Group praised Cumbria Police's efforts at this year's event as a clean-up of the site began on Monday. A spokesperson said: 'We often write to complain when things go wrong, but it's equally important to recognise when progress is being made.  'I think it's fair to expect there will be backlash regarding this year's measures, so it's important our voice is louder. I believe we have had an impact, a lot of the things implemented are things we raised. 'Over the past two years, we have noticed positive changes in the policing of Appleby Fair under the current Gold Commander. ' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. 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