5 months Ago
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 their (EA) highest priority and is treated with the utmost (sic) concern and respect."Such matters are treated very seriously and thoroughly investigated.Ryan is on suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.
