Sir Mark Todd, a licensed trainer and Olympic gold medalist in equestrianism, has apologized after a video showing him hitting a horse with a tree branch appeared online.
The footage, in which he is seen trying to get over a water obstacle, has been widely shared on social media and has been the subject of many outraged comments.
Todd, who is shown to have attacked the horse reluctantly in the back 10 times, said in a statement: “I wholeheartedly apologize to the horse and all involved for my actions. in this video clip.
“One of the things I preach is to establish mutual respect between riders and riders, and patience and kindness are the best ways to get results.
“I believe this is one of the key attributes that, along with a great empathy for animals, have helped me have a long and successful career in events. I’m very disappointed in myself because I didn’t. not adhere to that in this case.”
The BHA this afternoon released the following statement:
Footage seen this weekend of Sir Mark Todd crashing into a horse’s tree branch has sparked anger and irritation in the equestrian community and beyond.
– BHA Press Office (@BHAPressOffice) February 13, 2022
The UK’s Equestrian Authority is looking into the incident and a spokesman said on February 13, “Video footage seen this weekend of Sir Mark Todd stabbing a horse with a tree branch has caused anger and annoyance in the equestrian community and beyond.
“His conduct, for which he apologised, fell short of the standard of care we would expect in licensed individuals and we know it is provided for the majority of horses in progress. trained in England every day. BHA is looking into the incident.”
Todd, 65, has enjoyed an extremely successful equestrian career, winning Olympic gold medals in 1984 and 1988, and being knighted for services to equestrian sport during the Honor Ceremony. new 2013.
He retired from the event three years ago and trained in Wiltshire, putting out 13 flat winners in 2021.
Todd’s top form last season is who is ranked 109 Tasman Bay who booked three spots in the group last year, including second place after Alenquer in King Edward VII Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot.
