A 1,300 pound jumping show horse named Phedras de Blondel arrived in Florida to a champion rider’s farm in Florida, just a few days ago.

ABC News reports that the horse, a twelve-year-old gelding was found butchered Sunday, near his stall. Only the head and neck were left intact, leaving the owner to believe the horse was killed for meat. Detectives are attempting to find the ones responsible.

Debbie Stephens, the owner of the horse, does not believe it was connected to the value of the horse. While she would not disclose how much she paid for Phedras de Blondel, a horse of its breed can go for tens of thousands of dollars. She said that this sort of cruel crime can happen to any horse.

Stephens holds the record for the woman’s high jump at seven feet, eight inches. Her husband assisted in designing the show jumping courses during the 2008 Olympics. Over $18,000 has been raised as a reward, in hopes that an arrest can be made.

In Florida, horse meat is illegal, but an underground market for it is known. A bill was passed in 2010 that clarified that it is illegal to sell, distribute, purchase, transport, or possess horse meat unless it is clearly marked or described as “horse meat safe for human consumption.” No current US slaughterhouses process horse meat, making it nearly impossible to obtain legally.

Horse meat is common in Caribbean and European countries, and despite it not being popular in the United States, there are many people willing to pay a lot of money for horse meat in the country.

In July, a horse named “Smart Amanda Whiz” was slaughtered in Hialeah. A few weeks ago, law enforcement raided three illegal slaughterhouses, who were accused of processing and selling horse meat.

Officials say the horse was likely targeted due to his large size.