A Bishop Auckland girl has made national headlines after riding her horse into Tesco as part of an online drinking game. Inky Ralph was taking part in a ‘NekNomination’ challenge, which sees people post videos of themselves ‘necking’ a drink in an extreme manner or while performing a stunt.
The 21 year-old was filmed riding her horse Harvey into the Tesco store at St Helen’s on Monday 3rd February, before trotting over to the fridges and downing a can of Pepsi. She then turns to the camera and nominates two more people to undertake the challenge, along with the security guard of the store who she compels to ‘not let her down.’ As she enters the shop, Ms Ralph is confronted by a security guard and an announcement calling for the duty manager can be heard. The video ends as Ms Ralph rides out of the store, with an employee shouting, “Are you going to pay for that?” referring to the Pepsi Max she took from the fridge.
Inky has since found worldwide recognition, having received messages from people as far afield as Australia and serving members of the RAF. She has also been approached by the BBC, ITV and Channel 5 but has so far declined interviews.
Although many support Inky in what they consider to be a harmless stunt, she has also come under fire from many members of the public for potentially putting her horse, and members of the public, at risk.
Durham Police and the RSPCA have since become involved, with Chief Inspector Sue Robinson of Durham Constabulary commenting, “Officers have viewed the in-store security footage as well as the video clip which has been circulating on social media. Those involved are believed to be well-known to both staff at the store and to ourselves and we will be arranging for them to attend their local police station at the earliest opportunity. “At this stage we are trying to establish what criminal offences might have been committed and discussions have taken place with the RSPCA in regards to the welfare of the horse.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
