Equestrian Australia has suspended former Olympian Heath Ryan, 66, following the emergence of a video allegedly showing him repeatedly whipping a horse.
Ryan, who competed in dressage at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, faces a provisional ban from all competitions and events pending investigation.
The footage, reportedly two years old, depicts a man striking a horse, identified as Nico, approximately 40 times. Ryan defended his actions in a statement, claiming he acted in the horse’s “best interest.”
He explained that Nico, described as a “problem child,” had caused a prior accident that hospitalized a female rider. Ryan stated the incident was a “life or death moment” for Nico, aimed at rehoming the horse, which he says was successful.
“I am so sad this was caught on video,” Ryan said. “All of this transpired sincerely with the horse’s best interests the sole consideration.”
Equestrian Australia, responding to a formal complaint, expressed alarm at the footage. “Our policies include high standards to protect all participants and their horses against any adverse physical, social, and emotional conditions,” the organization stated.
The case echoes a recent scandal involving Britain’s three-time Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin, who was banned for a year by the FEI after a similar video surfaced, causing her to miss the 2024 Paris Games.
Equestrian Australia’s investigation into Ryan’s conduct is ongoing.
Shocking. I hope he doesn’t ride a horse again!