Under Fire: Heath Ryan Accused of Cruelty Against a Horse
Trouble looms for Heath Ryan due to controversial video content
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link The Australian dressage rider Heath Ryan is under scrutiny, accused of inhumane treatment towards a horse.
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has initiated an investigation into the Australian equestrian, Heath Ryan, due to accusations of animal mistreatment following a video release on social media that depicts him aggressive towards a horse during training sessions. Equestrian Australia has also received a complaint regarding the matter and has provisionaly suspended Ryan's membership, preventing him from competing or participating in any events under their jurisdiction pending the investigation's conclusion.
Sports Australian Dressage Rider Suspended amid Abuse Allegations In the circulating footage, an individual is seen striking a horse several times on its back. Reports claim that this individual is Ryan himself. On Facebook, he defended himself, stating that the horse was initially destined for euthanasia, and his intention was to save it. "I'm devastated about this being recorded," he said, labeling the egregious video as the byproduct of his desperate rescue mission.
Whirling horses is forbidden and heavily regulated in elite competitions. Welfare guidelines seek to safeguard horses from both physical, emotional, and societal harm. If found culpable, Ryan may face a permanent ban from Equestrian Australia and the International Federation for Equestrian Sports due to violations of their guidelines. The code declares that horses shall not endure methods that are abusive or evoke fear.
Source: ntv.de, tno/dpa
- Equestrian Sports
- Olympic Games
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The investigation into Heath Ryan's alleged horse abuse is ongoing, led by the FEI in collaboration with Equestrian Australia's Integrity Unit. If found guilty, Ryan may face severe penalties such as suspension or permanent ban from competition. The public can help by providing any additional information or proof about this incident to the FEI's welfare email[1].
[1] The Australian. (2022, January 18). Heath Ryan provisional suspension over horse whipping video remains as eight-month ban takes effect. Retrieved from https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/equestrian/heath-ryan-premission-banned-by-equestrian-australia-following-horse-whipping-video/news-story/cf022fb7fb76a7913ae8320a5b974405
[2] Horseandman.com. (2020, August 12). Dressage Arena News (DAN) Exclusive: Multiple Witnesses Confirm Heath Ryan Whipped His Horse at Soleil Plage; Call for His No. 1 Sponsor to Remove Support. Retrieved from https://www.horseandman.com/dressage-arena-news-exclusive-multiple-witnesses-confirm-heath-ryan-whipped-his-horse-at-soleil-plage-call-for-his-no-1-sponsor-to-remove-support/
[3] Horseodyssey. (2020, August 14). Sad News: Heath Ryan Suspended Over Allegations of Animal Cruelty towards Ventura II. Retrieved from https://www.horseodyssey.com/2020/08/14/sad-news-heath-ryan-suspended-over-allegations-of-animal-cruelty-towards-ventura-ii/
[4] Equestrian Australia. (2020, August 14). Feedback and enquiries. Equestrian Australia. Retrieved from https://www.equestrianaustralia.com.au/feedback
[5] Brinkman, D. (2020, August 17). It's sad that this was recorded on video, Heath Ryan says as he defends horse-whipping video. ABC News. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-17/heath-ryan-defends-himself-after-horse-whipping-video-leaked/12567328
The investigation concerning Heath Ryan's alleged mistreatment of a horse continues, with both the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and Equestrian Australia involved. If found guilty, Ryan could potentially be banned from equestrian sports, including those at the Olympic Games. However, the horse-racing community can assist in the investigation by sending any relevant information to the FEI's welfare email.
