Man arrested for riding horse while drunk

Patrick Schumacher was given sobriety test

BOULDER, Colo. – We've been told time and time again to avoid drinking and driving.

But what about drinking and riding... a horse?

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Patrick Schumacher learned the hard way that it is definitely illegal to ride a horse while drunk.

Schumacher, 45, was stopped by police in Boulder, Colorado on Monday after witnesses saw him hit his horse, Dillon, so hard enough that it reared up on its hind legs.

Once stopped, Schumacher underwent a field sobriety test. Police found a small pistol and beer cans in Schumacher's saddle bag.

Along with riding a horse while under the influence of alcohol, Schumacher was charged with animal cruelty, prohibited use of weapons and reckless endangerment.

Police say that Schumacher, who was also carrying his dog, told them that he was riding Dillon to his brother's wedding in Utah and that he couldn't find his drivers license. Utah is 600 miles from Boulder.

The dog, Bufford, is being kept by the Humane Society.