Teen Athlete in Custody, Horses Withdrawn from Event Following Alleged Barn Incident

A disturbing incident unfolded at a Nevada hotel during a barrel racing event over the weekend, where a teenage participant was apprehended for allegedly stabbing three horses. The incident has sparked outrage and concern within the community.

Late Saturday night, officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department were called to the scene following reports of an injured horse at a barn adjacent to the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa. The call came in shortly after 2 a.m., according to a police press release.

Upon arrival, the authorities discovered not one, but three horses had suffered intentional injuries inflicted with a sharp object. Such a shocking find prompted the immediate involvement of the LVMPD’s Animal Cruelty Section.

As detectives delved deeper into the investigation, they identified a teenage girl as a potential suspect in this unsettling case of animal cruelty. This development has left many in disbelief, as the alleged perpetrator is directly connected to the event.

A teenage competitor was arrested after allegedly stabbing three horses ahead of a barrel racing event at the 2026 NBHA Professional’s Choice Las Vegas Super Show in Nevada on May 30, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. (iStock)

Investigators revealed she had access to the barn the horses were being kept in, and that they believe “she may have used a knife to inflict multiple injuries to the horses.” 

While the injuries to the three horses are not life-threatening, the animals were unable to compete in the 2026 National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) Professional’s Choice Las Vegas Super Show, which was held at the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center over the weekend.

Three horses sustained non-life-threatening injuries and could not compete in the barrel racing event at the 2026 NBHA Professional’s Choice Las Vegas Super Show in Nevada on May 30, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. (iStock)

Following the discovery of the alleged stabbings, the teenager was located at a nearby hotel and taken into custody, police said.

She was later transported to the Clark County Juvenile Hall and charged with 12 counts of willful or malicious killing, maiming or torturing an animal and three counts of felony malicious destruction of private property valued at more than $5,000, police said.

An aerial view shows the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Her identity has not been released by authorities due to her age. 

In a statement posted to social media, the NBHA said it “experienced an isolated incident” early Saturday, “involving the mistreatment of a limited number of equine athletes by an event competitor.”

“This situation was addressed immediately in coordination with the National Barrel Horse Association, the South Point Hotel and Security, Metro Police, and all appropriate parties,” the organization added. “The individual involved has been removed and placed in the care of authorities, and there is no ongoing threat of any kind.”

News Media reached out to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NBHA and South Point Hotel Casino & Spa for comment.

<!–>