Katie Price launches campaign to have her injured horse returned amid allegations of mistreatment by the new owners
Star is embroiled in feud with riding stables over claims the injury-ridden animal is being used for lessons
KATIE Price has become embroiled in a feud with the owner of a riding school in Hertfordshire over claims an elderly horse she used to own is being used for lessons.
The reality star hit out at the school in a rant posted on Instagram, alleging the horse named Blaze is unfit to be used for dressage training at the equestrian centre.
Katie, 38, took aim at Tina Layton, the owner of the Contessa Riding Centre in Colliers End, Hertfordshire, in a furious social media message after seeing pictures of her horse which had been posted online.
The animal has been renamed 'Gigi' and Katie claimed she is in her 20s and is "too old" for such strenuous exercise.
The TV star insisted she is furious that Blaze, who rode during the BBC’s Horse of the Year contest in 2008, is being used for lessons as she wanted her new owner to treat her as retired.
She wrote: "I'm really sad and upset and angry that I sold my horse blaze to this person for 1000 pounds wanting her to have a quieter life as she is in her 20s and has had two major leg injuries and done dressage all her life has now had a name change and being used as a riding school horse...
"This lady clearly thinks of money rather than the horses well being ! If I knew this I would of kept her !
"I had a amazing few years with her and this lady did not train her either lies lies lies and very disappointed ! If I could turn back time I'd have her back or I'll buy her back poor horse being run into the ground."
Katie went on to declare plans to launch a petition in a bid to get Blaze back as she fears her beloved former pet is not being given the "gentle retirement work" that was allegedly promised.
She added: "I will do a petition anything to get her back a real black beauty story!
"I have been ripped off in the horse world and people do dodgy deals all the time and now...
"I have found out my old Horse blaze I sold to a lady believing she would ride her around 3 times a week and dead gentle work basically retirement gentle work home...
"To now seeing she is being pushed at high level dressage as a riding school horse... Give my horse back."
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Bosses of the stables have since reacted to Katie's claims, insisting the horse formally known as Blaze has been cleared by a vet to take part in lessons, and is happy and healthy at the centre.
They also urged Katie to pay a visit to the venue to see first-hand how well Blaze/Gigi is doing.
In a statement, they declared: "We were saddened to see Katie Price’s posts concerning... GiGi on her Instagram site.
"GiGi is a much-loved member of our team at Contessa Riding Centre and, along with all of our horses and ponies, cared for to the highest standard.
"She is currently exercised three times a week, is sound and goes about her work with huge enthusiasm...
"As a Council-approved and British Horse Society A5 centre, we are inspected yearly and all horses must be seen by the vet. GiGi has presented as sound, fit and well on every inspection...
"It is unthinkable that we would put any horse in a position where they would be in pain or worked inappropriately...
"We have nothing to hide. We would be very pleased to welcome Katie and her vet to Contessa Riding Centre to visit GiGi and to discuss her welfare..."
Katie has now sparked a war-of-words with the stable owner by posting a response to the statement online, insisting she still wants her horse back.
The former glamour model wrote in an Instagram message: "This statement is totally untrue they have had her about four years so even more shocked she is still doing this!
"I have not been sent one photo ever or any tex ever updating me I also never knew she was going to a riding school I thought it was for this lady I have vet reports and all her owners before me details to back me up #bringblazeback."
Katie's furious response drew prompted the stables to release a second statement, declaring the reality star will not be able to get the horse back as Gigi is not for sale.
The post reads: "We would like to draw a line under this unfortunate and unjust episode, which is not of our making...
"GiGi is legally owned by Tina Layton at Contessa Riding Centre. She is happy, well and sound and enjoys being exercised three times a week to maintain her health and fitness...
“GiGi is not for sale. Our invitation to Katie Price to visit GiGi and see for herself how well and happy she is remains open.
“As far as we are concerned, this is the end of the matter..."