A HAMPSHIRE horse owner whose animals were discovered in a "shocking" condition has been found guilty of neglect.

RSPCA inspectors found two of the horses with overgrown hooves and one so skinny that its hip bones and ribs were visible.

Investigators visited the stables, in Silkstead Lane, Hurlsey, after calls from concerned members of the public.

One inspector, Sharon Chrisp, said she was "shocked" at the horses conditions..

Now their owner, Lorraine Anne Gill, has been found guilty of neglecting three of the horses, and causing unnecessary suffering to another.

The 56-year-old, from Waltham Chase, was absent from the sentencing at Southampton Crown Court on Monday.

The court heard how the RSPCA was contacted in May 2018 by equine charity, World Horse Welfare, after members of the public raised concerns for the welfare of three horses kept at stables in Hursley.

RSPCA inspector Sharon Chrisp, who investigated, said: “Members of the public had been in touch because they were so concerned about the animals’ overgrown hooves, and one horse in particular looked skinny.

"They were worried that nobody seemed to them to be visiting the horses regularly and caring for them.

“When I arrived and saw the horses I was shocked at their condition.

"The hooves on two of the ponies were overgrown, and the horse named Inca was so thin his hip bones and ribs were clearly visible.”

The horses, named Inca, Paddy and Woody, were rehabilitated and found new homes.

After spending a year in his loving new home, Inca has since passed away.

Gill was found guilty of neglecting and causing unnecessary suffering to Inca, and neglecting Woody and Paddy.

The offences took place between February 2018 and May 2018.

Gill was given a disqualification order on owning horses for five years.

She was also given a community order with 10 rehabilitation days and ordered to pay £750.

World Horse Welfare Field Officer Penny Baker who assisted on the case said: “These horses had not received the care they needed for some time. 

"The contrast between the emaciated horses and the obese one was startling, but each is just as damaging, and it just goes to show that neglect can cause suffering in many forms.

"I am pleased that Woody and Paddy have been successfully brought back to health and are enjoying the lives they deserve in new homes.”