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Prized Horse Is Led Out of Stall and Butchered in Florida

An international show jumper was found slaughtered on a farm in Florida over the weekend. The authorities are investigating whether the horse was butchered for its meat.

The carcass of the horse, Phedras de Blondel, was discovered in a remote pasture on the Imperial Farms Equestrian Center grounds in Palmetto early Sunday. The animal had been carved into pieces that appeared to be the work of a knowledgeable butcher.

Phedras de Blondel belonged to a top American equestrian, Deborah H. Stephens. A statement from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said that the incident was believed to have happened between 8 p.