The FEI has launched an investigation into Australian rider Heath Ryan following allegations of horse abuse.
It comes after a video circulated on social media showing the 66-year-old repeatedly striking a chestnut horse with a whip while riding it in a training session.
The rider has been provisionally suspended from all competitions and events by both the FEI and Equestrian Australia.
“The scenes depicted are profoundly disturbing and stand in stark opposition to the core values of FEI horse welfare,” said FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez.
“The FEI has opened an investigation to thoroughly examine all the facts and determine further disciplinary action under the FEI Rules and Regulations.
“We are committed to ensuring that any behaviour which puts horse welfare at risk is dealt with firmly and fairly.”
Equestrian Australia CEO Sam Jones said she welcomes the FEI’s investigation.
“It is both appropriate and welcome that FEI leads the investigation of this matter,” she said.
“Equestrian Australia remains extremely concerned about the incident and allegations, and we will support the FEI in any way we can.
“We know our community is keen for answers, but we would ask for patience as the FEI rightly follows a thorough and fair process, in line with their policies and procedures.”
The FEI is inviting anyone who witnessed the incident or who possesses relevant information or evidence to contact the FEI via email at welfare@fei.org.
Heath Ryan statement
Heath Ryan is one of Australia’s top equestrians.
The Sydney-born rider was a dressage team member at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He has been the country’s eventing champion on three occasions and won every international Grand Prix on home soil in 2007.
Heath released a statement regarding the video on his Facebook page last week (11 June), saying the videoed training session had been a “rescue mission” of a young horse called Nico “on his way to the knackery”.
Read Heath’s statement in full here.
Equestrian Australia statement
A statement released by Equestrian Australia (EA) the following day (12 June) said they had received a formal complaint about the matter.
“Equestrian Australia is extremely alarmed and concerned by the treatment of the horse shown in this footage,” it said.
The body handed Heath a provisional suspension of his membership, meaning he may not take part in any events under the jurisdiction of EA.
It will remain in place pending a thorough investigation.
“Equestrian Australia takes matters of animal welfare very seriously. Contrary to commentary on YouTube, we have no information to suggest Equestrian Australia management asked for the footage of this incident to be removed.”
