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Olympic Equestrian Investigated for Animal Cruelty
Australian dressage rider Heath Ryan, who competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is under investigation for alleged animal cruelty. Equestrian Australia (EA) has provisionally suspended Ryan’s membership pending the outcome of the investigation, which was launched after a video surfaced on social media appearing to show Ryan repeatedly whipping a horse.
The video, which Ryan claims is approximately two years old, appears to show him striking the horse approximately 40 times. EA expressed alarm and concern over the footage, stating that animal welfare is a top priority. The organization confirmed it received a formal complaint and initiated the suspension following the video’s release.
Ryan responded to the controversy in a lengthy Facebook post, defending his actions and asserting that the horse’s well-being was his sole motivation. He explained that the horse, named Nico, was on its way to be euthanized after its owner was hospitalized following a riding accident.
Ryan characterized Nico as a “problem child” whose behavior had deteriorated. He stated he attempted to help the horse as a “rescue mission,” believing the situation depicted in the video was a “life or death moment” for the animal.
Ryan claims the older video was leaked by a disgruntled former employee. He maintains that Nico is now “thriving” and posted a recent video of the horse appearing to be in good health.
CNN Sports has contacted Ryan for further comment. The investigation by Equestrian Australia is ongoing.