Olympic rider, 66, forbidden after striking horse 42 times in ‘most terrible video’

Aussie former Olympian Heath Ryan was suspended after the rise of a painful video in which he can be seen a horse about 40 times.

Ryan, 66, represented Australia in dressage on Beijing 2008.

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Equestrian Australia has since suspended the driver born in Sydney, while he has started an official investigation into the online video.

Their explanation was: “Equestrian Australia is extremely alerted and delivered by the treatment of the horse shown in these images.

“Our policy includes high standards to protect all participants and their horses against adverse physical, social and emotional circumstances.”

In a long one Facebook Post, Ryan claimed that he had tried to save the horse, named Nico – and that the images were taken about two years ago.

An excerpt of his message was: “Oh my God! The most terrible video of me on a young horse has just turned up.

“This horse was dropped off in my place on the way to the Knackkerij. His name is Nico. He was 6 years old. A nice type.

“(After the events of the video) I drove Nico for a few days and he responded very well.

“All this happened sincerely with the best importance of the horse the only consideration.

“I have to add that this happened about two years ago … and the video was posted by an unfortunate ex-employee.

“The only thing I can say is that this terrible video was additional damage from mine from the ground of my heart that launched a rescue mission.”

Ryan added: “I am so sad that this was caught on video. If I had thought of myself, I would have fallen off immediately and sent Nico to the Knackery.

“That video was a life or death moment for Nico and I really had to try my best to see if Nico would consider other options.

“All this happened sincerely with the best importance of the horse the only consideration. It was so successful for everyone except me with the release of this video.”

Dujardin Controverse

Last summer, British Olympian decorated Charlotte Dujardin Drawn from the Parisian games Just a few days before video images came to the fore, they came to a horse.

Dujardin, 39, was then handed over an annual ban by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.

The triple Olympic gold medal winner then released a statement in which she revealed that she was pregnant.

It stated: “I respect the judgment issued by the Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), which was released today.

“As the federation has recognized, my actions in the video do not reflect who I am and I can only apologize again.

“I understand the responsibility that is accompanied by my position in sport, and I will want to do it better forever. This has undoubtedly been one of the darkest and most difficult periods of my life, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported me today.

“To those of you who sent messages, e -mails and have tried to reach me to check in how I am – thank you. Every kind of word has really made a difference, more than you will ever know.

“What I could not share at the time is that I am currently pregnant, with my baby appearing in February.

“This was planned well before the Olympic Games and something that my partner Dean and I have long been enthusiastic about.

“At the moment the energy I have focused on Dean and our daughter Isabella, and we are all looking forward to the arrival of our new family member.”

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