Equestrian Australia said it was “extremely concerned” by the behavior in the video and that Ryan would be suspended effective immediately. The 66-year-old is banned from any competition, event, or official role under the governing body while a full investigation is carried out.

Ryan defends their actions, saying it was a ‘rescue operation’
Heath Ryan, who competed for Australia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, publicly addressed the video.

The horse, which was 6 years old at the time, was being taken to be euthanized after having reportedly attacked its owner, he said. Ryan said he accepted the horse to do it a favor and that the incident was an emotional attempt at rehabilitation.

He called the footage “the most awful video” of himself and said it was shared online by a former employee.

In a follow-up post, Ryan posted another video of what he said was the same horse, looking healthy and “doing amazing” in a new home.

Sport’s approach to animal welfare getting tougher.
The incident comes after a high-profile suspension a year ago of the British dressage star, Charlotte Dujardin, which prompted international equestrian authorities to adopt a more stringent attitude toward animal welfare breaches.

EA has released a statement saying: 

"The welfare of animals is .