Since 2022, photographer Bel González has documented 15 Tres Tombs celebrations in various towns across Catalonia. Through direct observation and photographic record, episodes of stress, avoidance behaviors, excessive sweating, wide-eyed stares, slips, falls, and visible injuries to the horses’ mouths and noses have been documented.

The Catalan Federation of the Tres Tombs claims that the animals ‘participate’ under conditions of well-being. However, the photographic material obtained shows situations that contradict this account, revealing physical and behavioral signs widely recognized in scientific literature as indicators of suffering.

During the documentation process, Bel González was subjected to insults, verbal harassment, and even threats of aggression from attendees of the events, which made obtaining the images difficult despite it being a public festivity.

Equipment and conditions that inflict pain

During the Tres Tombs parades, the horses march equipped with elements such as the serreta—a metal piece placed directly on the nasal bone that can cause pressure—and the bit, an iron piece inserted into the mouth used to subdue the animal and control its movements through tugs on the reins.

Veterinary studies (Cook, 1999; McGreevy et al., 2013) have found that these elements can cause pain, soft tissue injuries, oral ulcers, and breathing difficulties. 

Additionally, many of the horses are forced to pull large, heavy carts over urban surfaces. These conditions promote the development of joint injuries, muscle fatigue, and increase the risk of falls as well as damage to tendons and ligaments.

Exposure to noise and environmental stress

Horses, which are animals highly sensitive to auditory stimuli, face loud noises, crowds of people, and the movement of cars and other urban elements during these parades. According to ethological studies (McDonnell, 2005; Fazio et al., 2008), this type of exposure leads to increased blood cortisol levels, behavioral alterations, and physiological responses associated with acute stress.

Regardless of the measures and recommendations that may be attempted, the urban environment of the celebrations is not compatible with the sensory or safety needs that horses require to ensure their well-being.

Proof of this is that, in the most recent Trobada Nacional held this year in Barcelona, which brings together all participants from the region in a large parade, two horses died from heart attacks. One of them was only 8 years old.

Animal objectification and symbolic contradiction

Beyond the physical and emotional harm that animals may suffer, their forced participation in the Tres Tombs reflects structural objectification. Animals are used as decorative elements, cultural symbols, or tourist attractions, without consideration for their will or individuality as sentient beings. Even if it is claimed that they receive proper care, the essential fact is that they have not consented to participate and are exposed to environments incompatible with their natural needs.

It is especially significant that these events take place in honor of Saint Anthony Abbot, protector of animals. The contradiction is evident: while they are supposedly being honored, they are subjected to situations that compromise their physical and emotional integrity. This clearly shows how speciesism—the discrimination against other animals—is so deeply ingrained in our societies that the abuse of animals is not even recognized as such.

Even Andreu Bernadàs, president of the Catalan Federation of the Tres Tombs, acknowledged in an interview that if horses were not allowed to participate in these festivals, ‘many would end up in the slaughterhouse.’ This statement exposes the fragility of their lives, subject to criteria of utility and always subordinated to human interest.

Bel González’s photographic work invites us to reflect on the need to reassess all those cultural practices that involve suffering for animals.

Scientific References

Cook, W. R. (1999). Pathophysiology of Bit Control in the Horse. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 19(3), 196-204
Cook, W. R. (2003). Bit-induced pain: a cause of fear, flight, fight and facial neuralgia in the horse. Veterinary Times, 33(13), 16-19.
McGreevy, P., Harman, A., McLean, A., & Hawson, L.(2013). Re-evaluating the use of serreta bridles in horses. The Veterinary Journal, 197(2), 332-336.
Clayton, H. M.(2016). The Biomechanics of Equine Locomotion. John Wiley & Sons.
McDonnell, S. M.(2005). The Equid Ethogram: A Practical Field Guide to Horse Behavior. Eclipse Press.
Fazio, E., Medica, P., Cravana, C., & Ferlazzo, A.(2008). Cortisol responses of stallions to different types of transportation. Animal Science Journal, 79(4), 481-486.

Work by  Bel González.

Published in August 2025