North Carolina’s ‘Rider of the Year’, 75, is arrested after shooting his son’s horse during an argument
- John Victor “Vick” Russell, 75, has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon and intent to kill and cruelty to animals
- It is unclear what sparked the dispute between father and son
- A month ago, Russell was recognized for his services to horses and inducted into the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame at a ceremony
A North Carolina man who was named Rider of the Year and recognized for his services to equestrian sport has been arrested after allegedly shooting his son’s horse during an argument.
John Victor “Vick” Russell, 75, and his son, whose name has not been released, had an argument at a property on Vick Russell Lane in the Green Creek Community on Wednesday when the elder Russell opened fire and the horse of the son shot dead at the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, WYFF4 News reported.
When officers arrived, several people at the property told them that a scuffle broke out between the father and his son when the father used his gun to kill the horse his son was riding.
Russell was taken into custody at his Ly-Nard Hills farm in Columbus, North Carolina. He is charged with attacking a person with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and severe animal cruelty that resulted in the death of an animal.
Officials said Russell was produced before a judge and was issued $90,000 bail. His next court date is July 19 in Polk County District Court.’
John Victor “Vick” Russell, 75, and his son, whose name was not released, were having an argument when the elder Russell opened fire and shot his son’s horse last Wednesday, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department
Pictured is John Victor “Vick” Russell with a puppy. The Russell family has a long history in the equestrian community in Tryon, North Carolina. Last month, Russell was recognized for his contributions to equestrian sport and was dubbed a “local legend” in a 2021 article.
It remains unclear what the father and son had been arguing about, but it appears Russell’s son was not injured in the violent brawl.
The Russell family has a long history in the Tryon equestrian community.
Last month, the horse trainer was recognized for his work with horses at the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Tyron, North Carolina.
In September 2021, he appeared in a feature published by Tryon International Equestrian Center, which described him as a “local legend”.
“We’re putting a spotlight on our ‘local legends’ who have played an important role in the development of equestrianism in the region and at Tryon International Equestrian Center,” the publication reads.
“From the barns and locales to small towns and high streets, the Russell family has made quite a popular name for themselves in our community,” the article reads.