A PREGNANT horse slashed with a knife may have been attacked for “sexual thrills.”

Former eventing horse Peanuts, 18, is recovering after suffering a foot-long inch-deep knife wound in stables at Wickstead Farm Equestrian Centre, in Coleshill, near Faringdon.

Owner Paul Tapner, 34, said the horse, which competed in international three-day eventing as Glenwherry, was discovered on Friday evening with a cut stretching from its genetalia to teets.

A vet examined the injury and told Mr Tapner the wound was caused by a knife.

Mr Tapner said: “Police told us Peanuts was either attacked because someone has a grudge against the family, our horses or the farm, or someone is getting thrills from being sexually aggressive towards mares.

“I don’t think someone has a grudge against us.

“We are in total disbelief.”

Mr Tapner warned other horse owners in the area to be extra vigilant and to carry out regular checks.

The 500-acre farm, where Peanuts has been retired and used for stud for the past seven years, is home to 80 horses.

It is not believed any damage was caused to her unborn foal, which is due in May.

Five horses were slashed within days of each other in the Wantage and West Berkshire areas during 2003.

Police are appealing for anyone with information on the incident to call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.