Olympic Equestrian Heath Ryan Suspended After Horse Whipping Video
An Australian Olympian was suspended by equestrian Australia after video sequences that showed that the equestrian whipping a horse 42 times emerged.
Equestrian Australia has launched an investigation into Heath Ryan66, after the clip – which would be two years old – was published via YouTube, reported several points of sale, in particular ABC of Australia And New news Thursday June 12.
The video, which has been published via the “Dressage Hub” YouTube channel, has since been deleted.
Ryan participated in the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, representing Australia in dressage.
In a declaration at US Weekly, Equestrian Australia said it was “extremely alarmed and concerned” by images.
“Equestrian Australia is extremely alarmed and concerned about the treatment of the horse shown in these images,” the organization said in the press release. “The policy of complaints, disputes and the discipline of equestrian Australia includes high standards to protect all participants and their horses against any unfavorable physical, social and emotional condition during all equestrian activities approved by EA which are carried out under the auspices of EA or by any affiliated EA.”
The organization confirmed that Ryan was a member of Equestrian Australia and that a “in-depth investigation” will take place and said that it “took the questions of animal welfare very seriously”.

Heath Ryan.
Mike Clarke / AFP photo via Getty Images)“Equestrian Australia imposed a provisional suspension of this person on equestrian Australia and their rights, privileges and advantages associated with their membership this afternoon,” added the press release.
Ryan defended his actions in the video via a Facebook publication. He said that the horse, named Nico, needed disciplinary measures to prevent being reduced after a bad accident and that his actions were in the animal’s “best interest”.
“Before this accident, Nico had always been a problem child and would stop.
“I am so sad that it was taken on video. If I had thought of myself, I would have immediately left and sent Nico in the arbor,” said Ryan. “This video was a moment of life or death for Nico and I really had to do my best to see if Nico would consider other options.
He continued: “All this sincerely occurred with the best interests of the horse the only consideration. Incredibly, it was so successful for everyone except me with the release of this video.”
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