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Show jumping, dressage, cross country, and other equine events are dangerous and cruel. Horses are made to perform awkward acts that are confusing to them. They’re not willing participants, and many riders and trainers force them to submit using physical abuse. A whistleblower who trained under British dressage Olympian Charlotte Dujardin has revealed that she repeatedly whipped a horse – hitting the animal at least 24 times in one minute. The video shows the scared horse trying to dodge her painful weapon. Find below more evidence of rampant abuse in the industry, and take action.
2024
Rider Carlos Parro was slapped with a yellow warning card by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) after the ruling body received a complaint from PETA US. In photos PETA US received, Parro, a Brazilian Olympic equestrian team member, was forcing a horse’s neck into an extremely painful hyperflexed position so exaggerated that the neck appears deformed. The banned training method, known as “rollkur”, compromises breathing and can damage the spine and lead to long-term health issues. PETA US immediately sent an urgent complaint to the FEI demanding that the rider be eliminated from competition and that the abused horse undergo a thorough veterinary examination.
Parro should have been eliminated, but we’re glad the FEI took action – it’s looking over its shoulder now, and all riders will be under increased scrutiny.
Here’s the FEI’s e-mail to PETA US:
“The FEI can confirm receipt of the letter and accompanying photographs from PETA highlighting concerns about the conduct of Brazilian athlete Carlos Parro. The FEI Officials have issued a yellow warning card as the action of the athlete could have caused unnecessary discomfort to the horse. Additionally, the Ground Jury has directly addressed the situation with the athlete and the chef d’Equipe of Brazil. The FEI Stewards are aware of this incident and will be vigilant at all times for any behaviour that is not in line with horse welfare and are prepared to take immediate action if such behaviour occurs.”
– Fédération Équestre Internationale
2021
German modern pentathlon competitor Annika Schleu was riding horse Saint Boy when she was filmed whipping and spurring him during the show jumping portion of the competition after he refused to enter the course. Cameras caught the moment when, as Schleu’s frustration increased, her coach, Kim Raisner, punched Saint Boy, who was clearly frightened. After the incident, Raisner was rightfully expelled from the Olympics. Earlier that year in California, show jumper Kevin Lemke aggressively and repeatedly hit a horse named Good Luck. PETA US reported the abuse, and Lemke was suspended. But fines and suspensions clearly aren’t enough to deter other trainers or riders from similar reckless behaviour.
Jet Set, ridden by Swiss competitor Robin Godel, was injured in the middle of a cross-country course during an Olympic competition. Veterinarians diagnosed the injury as an irreparable ligament rupture in one of his legs, and he was euthanised.
During a Tokyo 2020 Olympics show jumping event, blood poured from Kilkenny’s nose and, though it was clearly visible to those watching, Ireland rider Cian O’Connor forced the horse to finish the course. Nothing was done by officials to stop the competition to check on Kilkenny.
Progress for Horses
After hearing from PETA US and following a complaint from PETA Germany, UIPM – the international governing body of the modern pentathlon – voted to remove horse riding from the modern pentathlon. The cruel event will be replaced by a sport involving only human competitors who choose to participate. This is an Olympic-size win for horses!
When we speak out, they listen, but we must ensure all equestrian events are banned from the Olympics.