Chowchilla horse trainer accused of animal cruelty, Sheriff’s Office says

A Chowchilla horse trainer is suspected of abusing a horse under his care, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.

Miguel Olvera, 29, was arrested Tuesday at a stable on Road 13 near Highway 152 southwest of Chowchilla, sheriff’s spokeswoman Sarah Jackson said.

According to the sheriff’s office, Olvera was hired by an Alameda County resident in May 2019 to train a 3-year-old Andalusian stallion, Centauro, to ride and dance.

The horse was in the care of Olvera until April 24, when the owner’s son unexpectedly picked up the horse at the owner’s request. The horse was taken to the owner’s ranch in Tracy and San Joaquin County Animal Services was contacted about the allegation of abuse.

Madera County authorities said the horse had several horizontal injuries to its nose, excessive spurring scars, swelling to his pasterns (ankles) and scabbing and raw skin on a large area of his backside. The horse’s injuries are consistent with abusive training methods and devices used to inflict pain and fear, according to the sheriff’s office.

A veterinarian determined that the injuries were the result of abuse. The horse was also found to be underweight with swelling as a result of external trauma.

Olvera had never contacted a veterinarian or Centauro’s owner regarding his injuries, the sheriff’s office said.

Olvera was booked into the Madera County jail on suspicion of felony animal cruelty charges with a bail set at $50,000. He was released on bail the same evening he arrived at the jail.