The world of equestrian sports, often perceived as elegant and graceful, harbors dark secrets. A chilling episode from the 1980s, recently brought to light by the Netflix docuseries “Bad Sport,” exposes a shocking scandal involving the deliberate killing of horses for insurance money. This dark chapter, often referred to as “The Sandman” scandal, involved a man named Tommy Burns who, at the behest of wealthy owners, orchestrated the deaths of approximately 15 horses to collect insurance payouts. For younger generations of riders, this may be the first encounter with this grim tale, but for those familiar with the equestrian community, the repercussions of these actions and the individuals involved remain a stark reminder of greed’s destructive power.
The Unveiling of “The Sandman”
Tommy Burns, the central figure in these heinous acts, has broken his silence in the Netflix episode, offering a chilling perspective on his role. While extensive reporting and even a book, “Hot Blood“, have detailed the scandal, Burns’ direct account provides a crucial insight into how such a widespread operation could occur. His eventual cooperation with the FBI proved to be the turning point, leading to the indictment and conviction of prominent figures in the hunter/jumper world.
Among those implicated were high-profile names such as Barney Ward, Paul Valliere, Donna Brown (wife of Buddy Brown), and George Lindemann Jr. Their downfall sent shockwaves through the equestrian community, particularly for those who lived in the same areas and witnessed their presence at horse shows. The revelation of their involvement and the subsequent legal battles became a topic of widespread discussion.
The Betrayal and the Turning Point
A pivotal moment in the investigation, as revealed by Burns, was an FBI recording of Barney Ward discussing plans to have Burns killed before he could testify. This chilling revelation spurred Burns to cooperate fully with the authorities, detailing the extent of his involvement and the individuals for whom he committed these acts. Ward, a highly respected trainer in the country, was described as the main “fixer” in the operation. Burns began his association with Ward as a groom in his teenage years. However, his first horse killing occurred after he left Ward’s stable to work for Jim Druck.
Druck, facing a difficult divorce and having had an affair with his wife, had purchased an expensive hunter named Henry the Hawk for his daughter, Reille Hunter. Unable to secure a satisfactory selling price, Druck instructed Burns on how to electrocute the horse, thereby enabling Druck to claim the insurance settlement. Following this incident, Burns commanded fees ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 for each horse he killed.
Lingering Consequences and Unforgotten Greed
The repercussions of this scandal, though decades old, highlight a disturbing aspect of human nature: the enduring influence of greed. Despite convictions and bans, some individuals managed to maintain a significant presence within the equestrian world. Barney Ward, after serving three years in prison and three years of probation, was permanently banned from American Horse Show Association (AHSA) events. Yet, he remained a formidable force, even coaching his son, McLain Ward, who continues to be a top rider globally. Before his death, Barney Ward was instrumental in selecting horses for his son’s career.
Paul Valliere received a four-year probation period, a $5,000 fine, and a suspension from AHSA-sanctioned horse shows. His petition for reinstatement in 2006 was denied, though he reportedly continues to be a sought-after coach. Tommy Burns served a single year in prison, having secured a deal with prosecutors that involved charges for only one crime in exchange for his detailed accounts of the other killings. George Lindemann Jr. was sentenced to 33 months in prison for insurance fraud, ordered to pay a $500,000 fine, and $250,000 in restitution. Donna Brown was never arrested in connection with the scandal.
Many individuals involved in this scandal have faded from public memory, but the lessons learned should not be forgotten. The case serves as a grave warning about the corrupting influence of greed and the depths to which some will sink. It is crucial for the current and future generations of equestrians to understand that such behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The fading of memory should not equate to the fading of accountability.
