World Horse Welfare has issued a statement after a video emerged of retired eventer Mark Todd, a former patron of the charity, repeatedly hitting a horse with a branch in a training session.
In the clip, a rider is attempting a drop into water and Mark approaches from behind, hitting the horse several times before it jumps into the water.
The video was shared by the rider (@chloet.eventing) on social media last week, and Mark has since apologised for his behaviour. The charity said Mark stepped down voluntarily from is role.
“The treatment of the horse in this video is disturbing and unacceptable,” said a spokesman for World Horse Welfare. “There is no place in the horse-human partnership for such use of force.
“Mark agrees that his behaviour was wrong and we welcome his apology. Mark is a consummate horseman, who cares deeply for horses and their welfare but, in this case, either through losing his patience or acting out of frustration, he has badly let himself down.
“To his credit, when the video came to Mark’s attention he contacted us and voluntarily stepped down as one of our Patrons. We all need to take heed from this episode. If equestrian sport, which we actively support, is to continue to maintain the acceptance of the public – its social licence – there cannot be any tolerance for unacceptable practises, no matter how experienced the rider or trainer.”
The training clinic captured in the video took place in 2020, but the controversy was sparked when the rider shared the clips on TikTok and Instagram.
“I personally am not comfortable with how my horse was treated and at the time I was a 21-year-old girl who was not brave enough to speak up about my concerns,” said the rider when she posted the video on Instagram.
Mark apologised for his actions.
“I wholeheartedly apologise to the horse and all involved for my actions in this video clip,” he said.
“One of the main things I preach is about establishing a mutual respect between horse and rider, and that patience and kindness is the best way to get results.
“I believe this is one of the main attributes along with a great empathy with animals that has enabled me to have a long and successful career in eventing. I am very disappointed in myself that I did not adhere to that in this case.”
