Las Vegas, Nevada — A national barrel racing competition in Las Vegas was disrupted over the weekend after authorities say a teenage girl allegedly carried out a disturbing attack that left three horses injured and unable to compete.
The incident occurred during the 2026 National Barrel Horse Association Professional’s Choice Las Vegas Super Show, one of the major events on the barrel racing calendar.
Horses Found Injured Inside Competition Barn
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to the South Point Casino shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday following reports of injured horses.
When authorities arrived, they discovered that three horses had been “intentionally injured with a sharp object.”
Investigators immediately launched an inquiry into the unusual incident, focusing on individuals who had access to the barn area where the horses were being housed before competition.
The affected animals were among the equine athletes scheduled to participate in the national event.
Teen Identified as Suspect
During the investigation, detectives identified a teenage girl as a possible suspect after determining she had access to the facility where the horses were kept.
Police said the juvenile allegedly used a knife or another sharp object to inflict injuries on the animals.
According to authorities, the teen may have caused “multiple injuries to the horses.”
The injuries were serious enough to impact the animals’ participation in the event, although officials emphasized that the horses were expected to survive.
“While the injuries are not considered life-threatening, they are expected to prevent the horses from competing,” police stated.
Arrest Made at Nearby Hotel
Authorities later tracked down the suspect at a nearby hotel and took her into custody without incident.
The girl, whose identity has not been released because she is a minor, was transported to Clark County Juvenile Hall.
Police said she was booked on 12 counts of willful animal torture and three counts of felony malicious destruction of private property over $5,000.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed what may have motivated the alleged attack.
National Barrel Horse Association Responds
The National Barrel Horse Association confirmed that the incident involved a small number of horses participating in the event.
In a statement, the organization praised the quick response from event officials, security personnel and law enforcement.
“The situation was addressed immediately in coordination with the National Barrel Horse Association, the South Point Hotel & Casino Security, Metro Police, and all appropriate parties,” the association said.
Officials stressed that steps were taken quickly to ensure the safety of participants and animals remaining at the venue.
Event Continued After Security Response
The association also confirmed that the suspect was removed from the property and that authorities determined there was no continuing threat.
“The individual involved has been removed and placed in the care of authorities, and there is no ongoing threat of any kind.”
The barrel racing competition continued after the incident, though many participants were reportedly shaken by the unexpected attack.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to the alleged stabbing and whether additional evidence may emerge.
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