Latest news with #EquestrianAustralia
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'Most awful video': Hunter Olympian suspended, being investigated for animal cruelty
The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) has opened an investigation into the actions of Hunter dressage rider and Olympic Heath Ryan after allegations of horse cruelty were reported. Ryan was suspended by Equestrian Australia (EA) on June 13 after a video appearing to show him whipping a horse surfaced on social media. The video is understood to have been taken two years ago. Ryan, who competed at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, released a lengthy statement on social media defending his actions, saying he had saved the six-year-old horse from being destroyed after it attacked its owner. Equestrian Australia and the FEI have imposed a provisional suspension against the 66-year-old while the investigation is ongoing. "The scenes depicted are profoundly disturbing and stand in stark opposition to the core values of FEI horse welfare," FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibez said. "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 chief executive Sam Jones welcomed the FEI's investigation. "It is both appropriate and welcome that FEI leads the investigation of this matter," Jones 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 provisional suspension means Ryan can take no part in FEI or EA competitions or events as competitor or official. In echoes of the incident that resulted in six-times Olympic medallist Charlotte Dujardin being barred from the Paris Games last year, the two-year-old video showed the horse being whipped repeatedly. Ryan, who was inducted into the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame in 2017, defended his actions in a post to social media on June 12. "The most awful video of me on a young horse has just surfaced. This horse was dropped off at my place on his way to the knackery," he wrote. Ryan added: "I felt obliged to the horse to just have a look and see if it was possibly salvageable ... and had never ridden anything like it. I am so sad this was caught on video." Ryan said the video had been placed online by an "unhappy ex-employee" and posted another which he said showed the horse thriving in a new home. "If you think I did that flippantly you are wrong. I hated reaching out in those moments to [it] and asking the hard questions," he wrote. Ryan concluded: "All I can say is that this awful video was collateral damage of me from the bottom of my heart launching a rescue mission." After last year's Dujardin ban, the global governing body for showjumping and dressage pledged it would be uncompromising in enforcing animal welfare. The Herald has reached out to Ryan for comment. 'Oh my goodness! The most awful video of me on a young horse has just surfaced. This horse was dropped off at my place on his way to the knackery. His name is Nico. He was 6 years of age. A beautiful type. He was genetically a result of my best stallions all of which were successful in Grand Prix dressage, so Nico was beautifully bred. Nico belonged to a wonderful family friend who had been put in hospital in intensive care by Nico. Prior to this really bad accident Nico had always been a problem child and would just stop. This gradually got worse and worse until the accident. The owner of Nico and my friend is a diminutive lady and 100% not capable of being physically aggressive in any way. Nico before he came to me always had the best of best homes. He wanted for nothing. He was in wonderful condition, he was always rugged, he had his own paddock, he was regularly ridden and he was loved. Here is the question. If a beautiful 6yo horse turns up at your facility and it was bred by your stallion and it belonged to a lifelong friend of yours who had been put in hospital in intensive care by this horse would you just send it to the Knackery?? Well I didn't and I felt obliged to the horse to just have a look and see if it was possibly salvageable. Well did I get a shock and so the video. I have never ridden anything like it. I am so sad this was caught on video. If I had been thinking of myself I would have immediately just gotten off and sent Nico to the Knackery. That video was a life or death moment for Nico and of that I was very aware. I felt I genuinely had to try my very hardest to see if Nico would consider other options. Anyway by the end of that initial ride I did feel Nico was responding. I rode Nico for another couple of days and he responded very well and started to go without the use of excessive driving aids. I then called up another friend of mine who is also a Grand Prix dressage rider who is always watching out for a special horse but has very limited resources. I disclosed the whole story but said that I thought if Nico could find the right home I thought he was a good horse and maybe a very good horse. So Nico went to a new home. Well it turned out to be brilliant and the posted video is Nico thriving in a loving and competitive home with an exciting future. All of this transpired sincerely with the horses best interests the sole consideration. Unbelievably it was so successful for everyone except me with the release of this video. What can I say. If you think I did that flippantly you are wrong. I hated reaching out in those moments to Nico and asking the hard questions. That was the last place I wanted to be. I have never before ridden a horse that reacted like that and I certainly will never do it again. Was it worth it?? Well not for me however I am very happy for Nico. I need to add that this happened about 2 years ago and the video has been posted by an unhappy ex employee. All I can say is that this awful video was collateral damage of me from the bottom of my heart launching a rescue mission. Heath.' The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) has opened an investigation into the actions of Hunter dressage rider and Olympic Heath Ryan after allegations of horse cruelty were reported. Ryan was suspended by Equestrian Australia (EA) on June 13 after a video appearing to show him whipping a horse surfaced on social media. The video is understood to have been taken two years ago. Ryan, who competed at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, released a lengthy statement on social media defending his actions, saying he had saved the six-year-old horse from being destroyed after it attacked its owner. Equestrian Australia and the FEI have imposed a provisional suspension against the 66-year-old while the investigation is ongoing. "The scenes depicted are profoundly disturbing and stand in stark opposition to the core values of FEI horse welfare," FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibez said. "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 chief executive Sam Jones welcomed the FEI's investigation. "It is both appropriate and welcome that FEI leads the investigation of this matter," Jones 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 provisional suspension means Ryan can take no part in FEI or EA competitions or events as competitor or official. In echoes of the incident that resulted in six-times Olympic medallist Charlotte Dujardin being barred from the Paris Games last year, the two-year-old video showed the horse being whipped repeatedly. Ryan, who was inducted into the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame in 2017, defended his actions in a post to social media on June 12. "The most awful video of me on a young horse has just surfaced. This horse was dropped off at my place on his way to the knackery," he wrote. Ryan added: "I felt obliged to the horse to just have a look and see if it was possibly salvageable ... and had never ridden anything like it. I am so sad this was caught on video." Ryan said the video had been placed online by an "unhappy ex-employee" and posted another which he said showed the horse thriving in a new home. "If you think I did that flippantly you are wrong. I hated reaching out in those moments to [it] and asking the hard questions," he wrote. Ryan concluded: "All I can say is that this awful video was collateral damage of me from the bottom of my heart launching a rescue mission." After last year's Dujardin ban, the global governing body for showjumping and dressage pledged it would be uncompromising in enforcing animal welfare. The Herald has reached out to Ryan for comment. 'Oh my goodness! The most awful video of me on a young horse has just surfaced. This horse was dropped off at my place on his way to the knackery. His name is Nico. He was 6 years of age. A beautiful type. He was genetically a result of my best stallions all of which were successful in Grand Prix dressage, so Nico was beautifully bred. Nico belonged to a wonderful family friend who had been put in hospital in intensive care by Nico. Prior to this really bad accident Nico had always been a problem child and would just stop. This gradually got worse and worse until the accident. The owner of Nico and my friend is a diminutive lady and 100% not capable of being physically aggressive in any way. Nico before he came to me always had the best of best homes. He wanted for nothing. He was in wonderful condition, he was always rugged, he had his own paddock, he was regularly ridden and he was loved. Here is the question. If a beautiful 6yo horse turns up at your facility and it was bred by your stallion and it belonged to a lifelong friend of yours who had been put in hospital in intensive care by this horse would you just send it to the Knackery?? Well I didn't and I felt obliged to the horse to just have a look and see if it was possibly salvageable. Well did I get a shock and so the video. I have never ridden anything like it. I am so sad this was caught on video. If I had been thinking of myself I would have immediately just gotten off and sent Nico to the Knackery. That video was a life or death moment for Nico and of that I was very aware. I felt I genuinely had to try my very hardest to see if Nico would consider other options. Anyway by the end of that initial ride I did feel Nico was responding. I rode Nico for another couple of days and he responded very well and started to go without the use of excessive driving aids. I then called up another friend of mine who is also a Grand Prix dressage rider who is always watching out for a special horse but has very limited resources. I disclosed the whole story but said that I thought if Nico could find the right home I thought he was a good horse and maybe a very good horse. So Nico went to a new home. Well it turned out to be brilliant and the posted video is Nico thriving in a loving and competitive home with an exciting future. All of this transpired sincerely with the horses best interests the sole consideration. Unbelievably it was so successful for everyone except me with the release of this video. What can I say. If you think I did that flippantly you are wrong. I hated reaching out in those moments to Nico and asking the hard questions. That was the last place I wanted to be. I have never before ridden a horse that reacted like that and I certainly will never do it again. Was it worth it?? Well not for me however I am very happy for Nico. I need to add that this happened about 2 years ago and the video has been posted by an unhappy ex employee. All I can say is that this awful video was collateral damage of me from the bottom of my heart launching a rescue mission. Heath.' The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) has opened an investigation into the actions of Hunter dressage rider and Olympic Heath Ryan after allegations of horse cruelty were reported. Ryan was suspended by Equestrian Australia (EA) on June 13 after a video appearing to show him whipping a horse surfaced on social media. The video is understood to have been taken two years ago. Ryan, who competed at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, released a lengthy statement on social media defending his actions, saying he had saved the six-year-old horse from being destroyed after it attacked its owner. Equestrian Australia and the FEI have imposed a provisional suspension against the 66-year-old while the investigation is ongoing. "The scenes depicted are profoundly disturbing and stand in stark opposition to the core values of FEI horse welfare," FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibez said. "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 chief executive Sam Jones welcomed the FEI's investigation. "It is both appropriate and welcome that FEI leads the investigation of this matter," Jones 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 provisional suspension means Ryan can take no part in FEI or EA competitions or events as competitor or official. In echoes of the incident that resulted in six-times Olympic medallist Charlotte Dujardin being barred from the Paris Games last year, the two-year-old video showed the horse being whipped repeatedly. Ryan, who was inducted into the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame in 2017, defended his actions in a post to social media on June 12. "The most awful video of me on a young horse has just surfaced. This horse was dropped off at my place on his way to the knackery," he wrote. Ryan added: "I felt obliged to the horse to just have a look and see if it was possibly salvageable ... and had never ridden anything like it. I am so sad this was caught on video." Ryan said the video had been placed online by an "unhappy ex-employee" and posted another which he said showed the horse thriving in a new home. "If you think I did that flippantly you are wrong. I hated reaching out in those moments to [it] and asking the hard questions," he wrote. Ryan concluded: "All I can say is that this awful video was collateral damage of me from the bottom of my heart launching a rescue mission." After last year's Dujardin ban, the global governing body for showjumping and dressage pledged it would be uncompromising in enforcing animal welfare. The Herald has reached out to Ryan for comment. 'Oh my goodness! The most awful video of me on a young horse has just surfaced. This horse was dropped off at my place on his way to the knackery. His name is Nico. He was 6 years of age. A beautiful type. He was genetically a result of my best stallions all of which were successful in Grand Prix dressage, so Nico was beautifully bred. Nico belonged to a wonderful family friend who had been put in hospital in intensive care by Nico. Prior to this really bad accident Nico had always been a problem child and would just stop. This gradually got worse and worse until the accident. The owner of Nico and my friend is a diminutive lady and 100% not capable of being physically aggressive in any way. Nico before he came to me always had the best of best homes. He wanted for nothing. He was in wonderful condition, he was always rugged, he had his own paddock, he was regularly ridden and he was loved. Here is the question. If a beautiful 6yo horse turns up at your facility and it was bred by your stallion and it belonged to a lifelong friend of yours who had been put in hospital in intensive care by this horse would you just send it to the Knackery?? Well I didn't and I felt obliged to the horse to just have a look and see if it was possibly salvageable. Well did I get a shock and so the video. I have never ridden anything like it. I am so sad this was caught on video. If I had been thinking of myself I would have immediately just gotten off and sent Nico to the Knackery. That video was a life or death moment for Nico and of that I was very aware. I felt I genuinely had to try my very hardest to see if Nico would consider other options. Anyway by the end of that initial ride I did feel Nico was responding. I rode Nico for another couple of days and he responded very well and started to go without the use of excessive driving aids. I then called up another friend of mine who is also a Grand Prix dressage rider who is always watching out for a special horse but has very limited resources. I disclosed the whole story but said that I thought if Nico could find the right home I thought he was a good horse and maybe a very good horse. So Nico went to a new home. Well it turned out to be brilliant and the posted video is Nico thriving in a loving and competitive home with an exciting future. All of this transpired sincerely with the horses best interests the sole consideration. Unbelievably it was so successful for everyone except me with the release of this video. What can I say. If you think I did that flippantly you are wrong. I hated reaching out in those moments to Nico and asking the hard questions. That was the last place I wanted to be. I have never before ridden a horse that reacted like that and I certainly will never do it again. Was it worth it?? Well not for me however I am very happy for Nico. I need to add that this happened about 2 years ago and the video has been posted by an unhappy ex employee. All I can say is that this awful video was collateral damage of me from the bottom of my heart launching a rescue mission. Heath.' The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) has opened an investigation into the actions of Hunter dressage rider and Olympic Heath Ryan after allegations of horse cruelty were reported. Ryan was suspended by Equestrian Australia (EA) on June 13 after a video appearing to show him whipping a horse surfaced on social media. The video is understood to have been taken two years ago. Ryan, who competed at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, released a lengthy statement on social media defending his actions, saying he had saved the six-year-old horse from being destroyed after it attacked its owner. Equestrian Australia and the FEI have imposed a provisional suspension against the 66-year-old while the investigation is ongoing. "The scenes depicted are profoundly disturbing and stand in stark opposition to the core values of FEI horse welfare," FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibez said. "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 chief executive Sam Jones welcomed the FEI's investigation. "It is both appropriate and welcome that FEI leads the investigation of this matter," Jones 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 provisional suspension means Ryan can take no part in FEI or EA competitions or events as competitor or official. In echoes of the incident that resulted in six-times Olympic medallist Charlotte Dujardin being barred from the Paris Games last year, the two-year-old video showed the horse being whipped repeatedly. Ryan, who was inducted into the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame in 2017, defended his actions in a post to social media on June 12. "The most awful video of me on a young horse has just surfaced. This horse was dropped off at my place on his way to the knackery," he wrote. Ryan added: "I felt obliged to the horse to just have a look and see if it was possibly salvageable ... and had never ridden anything like it. I am so sad this was caught on video." Ryan said the video had been placed online by an "unhappy ex-employee" and posted another which he said showed the horse thriving in a new home. "If you think I did that flippantly you are wrong. I hated reaching out in those moments to [it] and asking the hard questions," he wrote. Ryan concluded: "All I can say is that this awful video was collateral damage of me from the bottom of my heart launching a rescue mission." After last year's Dujardin ban, the global governing body for showjumping and dressage pledged it would be uncompromising in enforcing animal welfare. The Herald has reached out to Ryan for comment. 'Oh my goodness! The most awful video of me on a young horse has just surfaced. This horse was dropped off at my place on his way to the knackery. His name is Nico. He was 6 years of age. A beautiful type. He was genetically a result of my best stallions all of which were successful in Grand Prix dressage, so Nico was beautifully bred. Nico belonged to a wonderful family friend who had been put in hospital in intensive care by Nico. Prior to this really bad accident Nico had always been a problem child and would just stop. This gradually got worse and worse until the accident. The owner of Nico and my friend is a diminutive lady and 100% not capable of being physically aggressive in any way. Nico before he came to me always had the best of best homes. He wanted for nothing. He was in wonderful condition, he was always rugged, he had his own paddock, he was regularly ridden and he was loved. Here is the question. If a beautiful 6yo horse turns up at your facility and it was bred by your stallion and it belonged to a lifelong friend of yours who had been put in hospital in intensive care by this horse would you just send it to the Knackery?? Well I didn't and I felt obliged to the horse to just have a look and see if it was possibly salvageable. Well did I get a shock and so the video. I have never ridden anything like it. I am so sad this was caught on video. If I had been thinking of myself I would have immediately just gotten off and sent Nico to the Knackery. That video was a life or death moment for Nico and of that I was very aware. I felt I genuinely had to try my very hardest to see if Nico would consider other options. Anyway by the end of that initial ride I did feel Nico was responding. I rode Nico for another couple of days and he responded very well and started to go without the use of excessive driving aids. I then called up another friend of mine who is also a Grand Prix dressage rider who is always watching out for a special horse but has very limited resources. I disclosed the whole story but said that I thought if Nico could find the right home I thought he was a good horse and maybe a very good horse. So Nico went to a new home. Well it turned out to be brilliant and the posted video is Nico thriving in a loving and competitive home with an exciting future. All of this transpired sincerely with the horses best interests the sole consideration. Unbelievably it was so successful for everyone except me with the release of this video. What can I say. If you think I did that flippantly you are wrong. I hated reaching out in those moments to Nico and asking the hard questions. That was the last place I wanted to be. I have never before ridden a horse that reacted like that and I certainly will never do it again. Was it worth it?? Well not for me however I am very happy for Nico. I need to add that this happened about 2 years ago and the video has been posted by an unhappy ex employee. All I can say is that this awful video was collateral damage of me from the bottom of my heart launching a rescue mission. Heath.'
BBC News
20 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
FEI investigating Ryan for repeatedly whipping horse
The FEI, equestrian sport's world governing body, has launched an investigation into Australian Olympian Heath Ryan after a video emerged that appeared to show him repeatedly whipping a was suspended by Equestrian Australia last week after the video - said by Ryan to be about two years old - showed a man striking a horse about 40 FEI has now also provisionally suspended the 66-year-old, who issued a statement after the video emerged to say he was acting in "the horse's best interest".But the FEI says it has opened an investigation "following allegations of horse abuse reported to the FEI and Equestrian Australia, as well as the posting of a video on social media showing abusive training techniques"."The scenes depicted are profoundly disturbing and stand in stark opposition to the core values of FEI horse welfare," FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibanez said."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." Sam Jones, the CEO of Equestrian Australia, added: "It is both appropriate and welcome that FEI leads the investigation of this matter."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."Ryan represented Australia in dressage at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and finished said the horse, named Nico, came to him after an accident which resulted in a female rider needing hospital Australian said that Nico "had always been a problem child and would just not stop" and after the video he was able to rehome the said, external: "I am so sad this was caught on video. If I had been thinking of myself I would have immediately just gotten off and sent Nico to the knackery."That video was a life or death moment for Nico and I genuinely had to try my very hardest to see if Nico would consider other options."All of this transpired sincerely with the horse's best interests the sole consideration. Unbelievably it was so successful for everyone except me with the release of this video."Britain's three-time Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin missed the Paris Games last year after a video emerged of her repeatedly striking a horse around its legs with a long whip. She was subsequently banned for a year by the FEI.
National Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
Suspended Olympian says whipping horse 42 times in video was in its ‘best interest'
A former Australian Olympian has been provisionally suspended after video surfaced of the equestrian appearing to repeatedly whip a horse. Article content Heath Ryan, who competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, is under investigation by Equestrian Australia and has come out in defence of his actions as seen in the old clip – which seems to show the rider striking a horse 42 times. Article content In a lengthy post on Facebook, Ryan said that the incident shown in the video 'transpired sincerely with the (horse's) best interests the sole consideration.' Article content Equestrian Australia, the country's governing body for the sport, said that the provisional suspension will last until 'a thorough investigation of this matter' has been completed. It also noted that it had received a formal complaint about the incident. Article content 'Equestrian Australia is extremely alarmed and concerned by the treatment of the horse shown in this footage,' it said in a statement. Article content 'Equestrian Australia has this afternoon imposed a provisional suspension of this person's membership of Equestrian Australia and their rights, privileges and benefits associated with their membership.' Article content It also said that the body 'takes matters of animal welfare very seriously.' Article content Another 'expert' & renowned Olympian Heath Ryan. He was only trying to 'save' Nico from the slaughter house & this was part of the rescue mission. 42 strikes, that'll teach him alright. — Minnie1602 (@Minnie1602) June 12, 2025 Article content In Ryan's Facebook post, he said that the horse named Nico was brought to him on the way to the 'knackery' — where animals go to be killed — after an accident had injured its owner. Article content The post describes the horse as a 'problem child' that got 'worse and worse until the accident.' Article content 'I felt obliged to the horse to just have a look and see if it was possibly salvageable,' Ryan wrote. 'Well did I get a shock and so the video. I have never ridden anything like it. I am so sad this was caught on video. Article content 'If I had been thinking of myself, I would have immediately just gotten off and sent Nico to the knackery. That video was a life-or-death moment for Nico and of that I was very aware. Article content 'I felt I genuinely had to try my very hardest to see if Nico would consider other options. Anyway by the end of that initial ride I did feel Nico was responding. I rode Nico for another couple of days and he responded very well and started to go without the use of excessive driving aids.' Article content
Toronto Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Suspended Olympian says whipping horse 42 times in video was in its ‘best interest'
'Equestrian Australia is extremely alarmed and concerned by the treatment of the horse shown in this footage,' Australian Olympic equestrian Heath Ryan appears to whip a horse in a video posted online. Twitter A former Australian Olympian has been provisionally suspended after video surfaced of the equestrian appearing to repeatedly whip a horse. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Heath Ryan, who competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, is under investigation by Equestrian Australia and has come out in defence of his actions as seen in the old clip – which seems to show the rider striking a horse 42 times. In a lengthy post on Facebook, Ryan said that the incident shown in the video 'transpired sincerely with the (horse's) best interests the sole consideration.' Equestrian Australia, the country's governing body for the sport, said that the provisional suspension will last until 'a thorough investigation of this matter' has been completed. It also noted that it had received a formal complaint about the incident. 'Equestrian Australia is extremely alarmed and concerned by the treatment of the horse shown in this footage,' it said in a statement. 'Equestrian Australia has this afternoon imposed a provisional suspension of this person's membership of Equestrian Australia and their rights, privileges and benefits associated with their membership.' It also said that the body 'takes matters of animal welfare very seriously.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Another 'expert' & renowned Olympian Heath Ryan. He was only trying to 'save' Nico from the slaughter house & this was part of the rescue mission. 42 strikes, that'll teach him alright. — Minnie1602 (@Minnie1602) June 12, 2025 In Ryan's Facebook post, he said that the horse named Nico was brought to him on the way to the 'knackery' — where animals go to be killed — after an accident had injured its owner. The post describes the horse as a 'problem child' that got 'worse and worse until the accident.' 'I felt obliged to the horse to just have a look and see if it was possibly salvageable,' Ryan wrote. 'Well did I get a shock and so the video. I have never ridden anything like it. I am so sad this was caught on video. Read More 'If I had been thinking of myself, I would have immediately just gotten off and sent Nico to the knackery. That video was a life-or-death moment for Nico and of that I was very aware. 'I felt I genuinely had to try my very hardest to see if Nico would consider other options. Anyway by the end of that initial ride I did feel Nico was responding. I rode Nico for another couple of days and he responded very well and started to go without the use of excessive driving aids.' Ryan also wrote that the video taken two years ago and initially was posted on YouTube by an 'unhappy ex-employee.' 'All I can say is that this awful video was collateral damage of me from the bottom of my heart launching a rescue mission,' Ryan added. Sunshine Girls World Sunshine Girls Toronto & GTA Canada
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Sponsors drop Aussie Olympian Heath Ryan after horse whipping video goes viral - 'shocked and heartbroken'
Aussie Olympian Heath Ryan has been dropped by two major sponsors after shocking footage emerged of the equestrian star whipping a horse 42 times. Prydes EasiFeed and Bates Saddles - both long time supporters of Ryan - announced separately on Friday they have severed ties with Ryan. In a statement, Bates Saddles said they were 'shocked and heartbroken' by the damning vision. Newcastle based Ryan, 66, has also been suspended indefinitely from competition by Equestrian Australia. The governing body confirmed they received a formal complaint from a member of the public - and have since launched an investigation into the matter. As a result, Ryan is provisionally suspended from the sport. The suspension was mirrored by the international governing body, Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). According to News Corp, Equestrian Australia said in a statement they were 'extremely alarmed and concerned by the treatment of the horse shown in the footage.' The RSPCA are said to be 'making further enquiries' and the Australian Olympic Committee are aware of the video - but it remains unknown if they will take further action. Earlier this week, Ryan insisted he was on a 'rescue mission' after horrific footage emerged of the international equestrian star whipping a horse more than 40 times at a private stable. Ryan, who competed at the 2008 Games in Beijing in the dressage team event, issued a statement online after the confronting vision appeared on social media via US-based Facebook page Dressage Hub. He conceded the footage is 'awful' - but maintained he was doing his utmost to ensure the horse wasn't sent to the slaughter house. Ryan also claimed the vision was posted 'by an unhappy ex-employee.' 'Oh my goodness! The most awful video of me on a young horse has just surfaced,' his lengthy Facebook post began. 'This horse was dropped off at my place on his way to the knackery. His name is Nico. He was 6 years of age. A beautiful type. '(After the repeated whipping) I rode Nico for another couple of days and he responded very well. 'All of this transpired sincerely with the horse's best interests the sole consideration. 'I (also) need to add that this happened about two years the video has been posted by an unhappy ex-employee. 'All I can say is that this awful video was collateral damage of me from the bottom of my heart launching a rescue mission.' Ryan has competed in equestrian events in Australia for decades, with his crowning achievement an appearance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Heath Ryan's lengthy statement after the confronting vision appeared on social media via Facebook page Dressage Hub He is also the brother of triple Olympic equestrian gold medallist Matt Ryan, who was part of the eventing team who famously stormed to victory at the Sydney Games in 2000. The incident follows British golden girl Charlotte Dujardin sensationally quitting just days before the 2024 Paris Olympics after a video emerged of her allegedly whipping a horse on the legs repeatedly. Last December, Dujardin was suspended from the sport for 12 months by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), as the six-time Olympic medallist conceded she made an 'an error of judgement' during a coaching session. Dujardin had returned to competition leading into Paris after giving birth to her first child Isabella in March of 2023.
