by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 25, 2022
With Donatella M, the warm-up is the hardest part of competing.
“She’s completely terrified of the other horses,” said her owner/rider, Alice Tarjan, who is competing at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.
“It’s been a problem her whole life. She’s really honest about it. but you’ll go down and try to do a line of changes and if there’s another horse even coming across, she just shuts down. There’s nothing you can do, except stop and try to get out of the way. it makes the warm-up a little worrisome.”
Alice Tarjan is an expert at keeping her cool in the warmup, no matter what happens. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
But there’s a plus side to the equation, as we saw today when Donatella was marked at an impressive 74.347 percent for the FEI grand prix performance on the national side of this week’s show in Wellington, Fla. The score was by far the highest in the class, but because Alice rode as an amateur, she was marked only against one other amateur rider for her blue ribbon.
With Donatella, “The good thing is, if she’s so terrified in the warm-up, by the time you get in the ring, she’s really happy,” since she’s alone at that point, explained Alice, who is based in Oldwick, N.J., but spends four months in Loxahatchee, Fla., every year.
“If you put her in the stadium, she’s relaxed in there compared to the warm-up. I’ve learned if I can’t get my changes in the warm-up not to panic, because she’ll do it in the ring. They all have their own thing. When she goes in the ring, she does her job.”
Alice bought the 11-year-old Oldenburg as a 4-year-old. The mare, who is by Furstenball out of a Jazz Time mare, had a foal a few years ago, but now has settled into a performance career. Trainer Marcus Orlob of Annandale, N.J., was on hand to offer comments during the warm-up, where I was impressed at the way Alice handled Donatella’s little quirks, not looking the least bit flustered.
That’s Alice, who doesn’t let a horse’s mood faze her.
Donatella behaves once competition is under way. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
“Whatever it is, you’ve got to ride it. Emotion plays no part in this sport. It’s just wasted energy,” Alice believes.
“It doesn’t change the situation. Whatever the situation is ,you’ve got to deal with it so you might as well think rationally and keep your head on your shoulders.”
Lars Petersen, a Danish Olympian (now an American citizen) who also has had a hand in training Alice, admires the way she handles her horses, no matter how challenging.
“She’s on them if they’re wild or not wild, she’s not a wimp,” he said.
“She’s amazing. She makes her own horses; she rides them from young horses and trains them up to Grand Prix.”
Alice calls Donatella, “A work in progress.” She wanted to compete her in international classes this week, but the mare developed hives (“it’s a Florida thing, they all get hives at some point”) and couldn’t give her the requisite medication for the skin problem if she went in the 3-star CDI. So she will wait until next week and enter her in World Cup classes.
Donatella is a star when it’s time to perform. ( Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
She’s not planning on trying for the World Cup finals this year; it’s too late in the season to think of it. But she’s interested in the prospect next year, when the finals will be in Omaha.
Alice isn’t one to plan too far ahead, though. She just enjoys being in the moment and having the opportunity to spend time in Florida during the winter.l
“It’s beautiful weather and you get to ride horses and that’s what I love to do,” she said.
“So life is good.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 25, 2022
Another horse has been euthanized in the wave of EHV-1 cases that has cancelled shows and led to requirements for handling horses to avoid contagion. He was the third to be put down in connection with the outbreak.
The horse was a 20-year-old warmblood gelding in Los Angeles County, where he had attended a show last week He displayed neurological signs Feb. 22 was confirmed positive for Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) secondary to equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1 non-neuropathogenic strain) Feb. 24. The horse was euthanized due to severity of clinical signs, according to the Equine Disease Communicatoin Center.
Three horses that had attended an event in Riverside County, Calif., and then returned home ran a fever with no neurologic signs but were confirmed positive for EHV-1. The horses in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Mateo counties have been isolated and will be quarantined at home, along with any exposed companions. Three additional horses on the index event premise, outside of the index quarantine barn, displaying fever only with no neurologic signs were confirmed positive for EHV-1
Meanwhile on the east coast, Equestrian Sport Productions that runs the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and Winter Equestrian Festival on Feb. 23 instituted strict new protocols for anyone shipping horses into the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and any new back numbers processed will be required to sign a declaration stating that the horses entering the facility are healthy and have not been in a California competition after Jan. 28.
There are also new testing and isolation criteria for horses coming from California, where a new show planned for this month at LAEC was cancelled because of the EHV-1 situation. Due to the EHV-1 situation at Desert International Horse Park and West Palms Events’ commitment to equine health, it was decided to conclude the LA February show and not add an extra show to the calendar.
The Desert Horse Park sent 11 tests to the California Department of Food and Agriculture lab earlier this week. Three additional horses tested positive for EHV-1 yesterday. One of the three was being tested for the first time after a recently detected fever. The other two positive EHV-1 cases were for horses that had previously tested negative.
Two horses tested negative as a follow up to their initial negative test. These horses will be carefully watched but no further testing is planned. Six previously reported positive cases were re-tested. One of these tested negative and will be scheduled for a follow up test in seven days. All three of the first cases on the property have now tested negative. The park has sought five additional tests for horses with initial fevers.
Three horses attending the LAEC show had been at Desert International Horse Park, returned to their home barn, and then came to LAEC after five days of isolation instead of seven. A statement from West Palms Event noted they also were made aware of a fourth horse who attended its Los Angeles show that had been at Desert International Horse Park inside the 7-day minimum quarantine.
Desert International Horse Park had cancelled its show scheduled for this week and closed access to new arrivals for at least the next week. Instead of running the show under a reduced format as planned, there is now a schedule for each barn/trainer group to school horses in dedicated rings to avoid any exposure to horses outside of their barn/trainer group.The park also has developed rules for the next few days and an updated set of protocols.
An outbreak of EHV-1 in Europe last year led to a massive cancellation of shows.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 24, 2022
Dressage returned to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in a big way last night, with a sold-out VIP section that was treated to a brilliant performance by U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Adrienne Lyle and the stunning stallion Salvino.
Adrienne Lyle and Salvino. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Their mark of 76.500 percent in the qualifier for Friday night’s Grand Prix Special at the 5-star-rated show was the highest score of the evening, which also featured a qualifier for the Grand Prix Freestyle.
Adrienne had ridden previously in the International Arena (which usually hosts the Winter Equestrian Festival’s jumpers) when the Olympic selection observation trial was held there last spring. But there were few fans on hand for that competition because Covid restrictions were in place then.
“It’s so wonderful to be in this venue. It’s really fun to be back, with more spectators this time. We’re really thankful for this opportunity,” said Adrienne.
Her enthusiasm was matched by that of Germany’s Frederic Wandres, who topped a field of 13 in the qualifier for the freestyle with Bluetooth Old on a score of 74.631 percent.
“The stadium is fantastic. It was almost a full crowd and the Americans are always creating a super atmosphere. We love to be here,” he said.
The dressage ring was set on the VIP side of the arena, behind an incongruous backdrop of jumps. What was this, some newfangled combined training test?
Then I learned the dressage ring couldn’t be located in the middle of the arena because it would have meant moving the gazebo that is a permanent fixture. And the jumps remained because a jumper class was starting at 8 this morning, and the jump crew would have had to get up really early to set the course if the arena had been cleared entirely.
Dressage shows used to be held at PBIEC before the Equestrian Village, home of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, opened down the street. But Thomas Baur, AGDF director, said his requests to stage dressage again at PBIEC were turned down when Mark Bellissimo was running the property. It was sold last year to a group led by Andreas Helgstrand, a dressage horse dealer, and the new owner understandably was eager to host some dressage.
There obviously is an appetite for dressage at PBIEC, judging by the enthusiasm of the audience, who eagerly took part in a spectator scoring opportunity through an app or their phones.They enjoyed a lot of emotion. It was heartwarming to see the joy expressed by 24-year-old Juan Matute Guimon after his fifth-place finish on Quantico. Juan hovered between life and death in 2020 after suffering a stroke, but came back stronger than ever and delighted in his participation.
Juan Matute Guimon and Quantico. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
The crowd gave Adrienne a lot of love, well-deserved by the rider and her horse, a son of Sandro Hit out of a Donnerhall mare.
“I thought it was one of the best tests she’s ever had,” said Debbie McDonald, Adrienne’s trainer and mentor.
Adrienne withdrew Salvino from the freestyle after the team won its medal in Tokyo, feeling the horse was tired and not wanting to press him.
“That was Adrienne looking out for her horse. It was exciting to see the horse come out fresh and excited to be back in the ring,” Debbie said.
“I think the same as Adrienne–When you’ve got a happy horse who loves his job, I think you’re doing something right,” she observed.
Salvino really stepped out and up for Adrienne Lyle. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Debbie noted Adrienne, like most riders who went to the Olympics, gave her horse a lot of time off afterward. He spent much of it enjoying the pasture in Colorado.
“He loves it. They did a ton of trail riding,” Debbie reported.
“She’s been back riding him not even that long. But I have so much faith in her and the fact she has so much faith in the horse, she can go in and she feels she can ride a test right out of the pasture.”
As Adrienne remarked, “He’s certainly fit. He’s ready to do it all again.”
There were five in the GPS qualifier. Ashley Holzer was a distant second with a good effort on Valentine, marked at 70.696 percent.
Adrienne decided to aim toward the Special, rather than the freestyle, since “We focused so much on the Special last year because that was what counted for the team event (at the Olympics). I just feel like I’m more fresh on that one. We haven’t done the freestyle since World Cup, I believe. We’ll get that one in, but it was easier to step into the Special the first time.”
Speaking of the World Cup, the finals are in Omaha next year, and Adrienne has that as a goal after this summer’s world championships in Denmark, but she won’t predict whether Salvino will be her candidate for the 2024 Paris Olympics. She does have an ever-increasing string of horses, a testament to her talent and affinity for the animals.
Last night’s class was sponsored by Havensafe LLC and Betsy Juliano, who just happens to be Salvino’s owner.
Frederic was delighted with his test, a mistake-free personal best on his son of Bordeaux, and at a 5-star, yet.
The jumps in the arena didn’t faze Bluetooth Old. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
“He gave me a super feeling. that is really what I’m looking for. We have been building him up at the season here. Now delivering that score is what I’m looking for daily. That makes our whole team completely happy.”
Second to Frederic was 22-year-old Ben Ebeling, on Illuster van de Kampert with a score of 72.478 percent.
Ben was overjoyed with his ride, alternating between jubilation and not being able to believe how well he and his horse had done.
Ben Ebeling had to hold onto his hat after hearing his score of 72.478 percent in the Grand Prix Special qualifier. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
I wondered how it felt to be riding dressage with the jumps all around, and asked Frederic about it.
He replied, “The jumps didn’t really bother me. When we are at home in Germany, we are on a big farm and there is also jumping going on. I think Bluetooth is used to these things. Maybe for some horses it can be difficult, but maybe I was lucky and Bluetooth was not getting irritated of these things.”
Friday night Special will be the last class in Florida for Bluetooth, as Frederic prepares to head home and get ready for selection of the team that will compete in the world championships.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 23, 2022
The U.S. Equestrian Federation today announced an agreement for the World Equestrian Centers (WEC) to operate USEF licensed hunter/jumper and dressage competitions at its venues in Wilmington, Ohio and Ocala, Fla. The shows will begin next month pending execution of finalized license agreements.
USEF and WEC have been at odds over show dates since before WEC Ocala opened last year. When Roby Roberts, who runs WEC, didn’t get all the dates he wanted originally, he turned to the National Snaffle Bit Association for his shows’ governing body during the winter series.
And after finally getting USEF dates for last summer, he gave them back and went with National Snaffle Bit again. Having USEF rule against his efforts to host a show in Ohio in place of Devon–cancelled due to Covid restrictions– didn’t make for warm relations. So this is a breakthrough.
WEC weighed in on the decision this way: “After much discussion between the organizations, both parties agree that working together is in the best interest of the sport and will provide exhibitors with a safe and level playing field at both venues. In addition, the move aims to provide WEC customers with access to the best facilities and the ability to earn points for both invitational events, indoors and year-end points-based awards supported by the USEF.
“The Wilmington, Ohio, facility will begin with week XII (March 2-6) of its Winter in the Midwest hunter/jumper indoor circuit as a USEF sanctioned event, and for the remaining weeks of the shows which run through April 10, 2022.
“The World Equestrian Center Ocala will run hunter/jumper horse show dates sanctioned by the organization starting in June. The facility currently hosts national level dressage events sanctioned by the USEF as well, and plans to reintroduce CDI and FEI-level events in the near future. Announcements with more detail on specific show ratings will be forthcoming.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 23, 2022
As EHV-1 continues to spread in California, a second horse has been euthanized as a result of the EHV-1 outbreak in California.
This animal at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center exhibited no symptoms until late afternoon on Feb. 22, when it became neurological, and experienced such severe symptoms that it was euthanized. Lab results will take a couple of days before there can be conclusive answers on what happened.
Three horses that had attended an event in Riverside County, Calif., and then returned home ran a fever with no neurologic signs but were confirmed positive for EHV-1. The horses in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Mateo counties have been isolated and will be quarantined at home, along with any exposed companions. Three additional horses on the index event premise, outside of the index quarantine barn, displaying fever only with no neurologic signs were confirmed positive for EHV-1
Meanwhile on the east coast, Equestrian Sport Productions that runs the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and Winter Equestrian Festival on Feb. 23 instituted strict new protocols for anyone shipping horses into the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and any new back numbers processed will be required to sign a declaration stating that the horses entering the facility are healthy and have not been in a California competition after Jan. 28.
There are also new testing and isolation criteria for horses coming from California, where a new show planned for this month at LAEC was cancelled because of the EHV-1 situation. Due to the EHV-1 situation at Desert International Horse Park and West Palms Events’ commitment to equine health, it was decided to conclude the LA February show and not add an extra show to the calendar.
The Desert Horse Park sent 11 tests to the California Department of Food and Agriculture lab earlier this week. Three additional horses tested positive for EHV-1 yesterday. One of the three was being tested for the first time after a recently detected fever. The other two positive EHV-1 cases were for horses that had previously tested negative.
Two horses tested negative as a follow up to their initial negative test. These horses will be carefully watched but no further testing is planned. Six previously reported positive cases were re-tested. One of these tested negative and will be scheduled for a follow up test in seven days. All three of the first cases on the property have now tested negative. The park has sought five additional tests for horses with initial fevers.
Three horses attending the LAEC show had been at Desert International Horse Park, returned to their home barn, and then came to LAEC after five days of isolation instead of seven. A statement from West Palms Event noted they also were made aware of a fourth horse who attended its Los Angeles show that had been at Desert International Horse Park inside the 7-day minimum quarantine.
Desert International Horse Park had cancelled its show scheduled for this week and closed access to new arrivals for at least the next week. Instead of running the show under a reduced format as planned, there is now a schedule for each barn/trainer group to school horses in dedicated rings to avoid any exposure to horses outside of their barn/trainer group.The park also has developed rules for the next few days and an updated set of protocols.
An outbreak of EHV-1 in Europe last year led to a massive cancellation of shows.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 20, 2022
California’s Desert International Horse Park is being even more cautious after an outbreak of EHV-1 (equine herpes virus) on the premises, cancelling its show scheduled for this week and closing access to new arrivals for at least the next week.
Instead of running the show under a reduced format as planned, there is now a schedule for each barn/trainer group to school horses in dedicated rings to avoid any exposure to horses outside of their barn/trainer group.The park also has developed rules for the next few days and an updated set of protocols.
Meanwhile, a new show planned for this month at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center also has been cancelled because of the EHV-1 situation. West Palms Events will not be holding LAXtra (Feb. 24-27) at LAEC , Due to the EHV-1 situation at Desert Horse Park and West Palms’ commitment to equine health, it was decided to conclude the LA February show and not add an extra show to the calendar.
Three horses attending the LAEC show had been at DIHP, returned to their home barn, and then came to LAEC after five days of isolation instead of seven.
As soon as West Palms Events management became aware of that, they notified the trainers, and those horses left the property that same day. Furthermore, both trainers assured West Palms that they were monitoring temperatures and all horses in their care had normal temperatures.
West Palms contacted Dr. Katie Hatch, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) veterinarian. Dr. Hatch agreed the risk was extremely low. However, out of respect to the home boarders at LAEC and out of an abundance of caution West Palms made the decision not offer an”other show in the coming week.
“We believe that by rigorously following the CDFA recommendations we can help eliminate the spread of EHV-1 and the risks to horses. We have a long and robust competition season ahead of us,” a West Palms statement said.
This afternoon, West Palms management said it was informed of a horse with an elevated temperature. This horse was stabled in Barn 1.
“At this time, the horse is isolated, and we are awaiting test results,” West Palms Management stated..
Desert Horse Park said yesterday that Individuals with horses that are currently in transit will be turned away if possible, but daily haul-in horses and riders cannot come to the horse park until further notice.
CDFA confirmed three cases of non-neurologic EHV-1 at the Desert park as this situation unfolded. Of the three original horses in isolation, two have now tested negative. There are three additional positive cases, but all were horses that earlier in the week tested negative. All are stable and currently asymptomatic. Two horses with fevers developed neurological symptoms. One of these was euthanized Feb. 18.
Although it would be best if non-quarantined horses stayed on the property to allow for the additional time needed to monitor and limit the potential spread of EHV-1, Horse Park President and CEO Steve Hankin said he understands if customers decide to leave.
“We would strongly encourage anyone who decides to leave to follow the recommended bio-security guidelines of USEF (U.S. Equestrian Federation) and CDFA and segregate their horses for seven days and continue to do temperature checks twice a day during this period.”
He added, “We are as disappointed and concerned as everyone with the emergence of EHV-1 on the property. Each time we send out a test and wait for results or pick up the phone and learn of another sick horse, as happened last night, my heart sinks.”
Noting there are “things each of us can do to help reduce the risk of outbreaks,” Steve added, “We are committed to do our part now and in the future to share and inform everyone of the important best practices we can each adopt for the safety of our horses.”
An EHV-1 outbreak last winter led to mass cancellations of shows in 10 European countries.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 18, 2022
California’s Desert International Horse Park is taking the cautious route after an outbreak of EHV-1 (equine herpes virus) on the premises and is closing access to new arrivals for at least the next week.
Individuals with horses that are currently in transit will be turned away if possible, but daily haul-in horses and riders cannot come to the horse park until further notice.
The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) confirmed three cases of non-neurologic EHV-1 at the park as this situation unfolded. Of the three original horses in isolation, two have now tested negative. There are three additional positive cases, but all were horses that earlier in the week tested negative. All are stable and currently asymptomatic. Two horses with fevers developed neurological symptoms. One of these was euthanized Feb. 18.
The facility will run a modified horse show for the people who are on the property already. With a smaller show, Horse Park President and CEO Steve Hankin said, “We can spread out the rings to minimize congregation of horses and the potential for nose-to-nose contact. We will issue a revised schedule over the weekend, but we do know for sure that we will not run FEI next week.
“In the end, we have decided to have a smaller horse show for the horses on the property,” as opposed to cancelling the show completely.
Although it would be best if non-quarantined horses stayed on the property to allow for the additional time needed to monitor and limit the potential spread of EHV-1, Steve said he understands if customers decide to leave.
“We would strongly encourage anyone who decides to leave to follow the recommended bio-security guidelines of USEF (U.S. Equestrian Federation) and CDFA and segregate their horses for seven days and continue to do temperature checks twice a day during this period.”
He added, “We are as disappointed and concerned as everyone with the emergence of EHV-1 on the property. Each time we send out a test and wait for results or pick up the phone and learn of another sick horse, as happened last night, my heart sinks.”
Noting there are “things each of us can do to help reduce the risk of outbreaks,” Steve added, “We are committed to do our part now and in the future to share and inform everyone of the important best practices we can each adopt for the safety of our horses.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 18, 2022
“She is back with us,” trainer Emil Spadone said today about show jumper Cassandra Kahle, who was in a coma after suffering a traumatic brain injury in a fall from her horse at a show last month.
Cassie, a 29-year-old professional rider, moved a week ago from a Florida hospital to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where one of the specialties is treating brain injuries.
“She is feeling much better,” noted Emil, who owns Redfield Farm in Ocala, Fla., and Califon, N.J., where Cassie rides and trains.
Cassandra Kahle.
“Now that she is over the hump of the pneumonia and other infections, she is making remarkable progress. I see in her eyes she is back with us.
“She is awake and whispering to communicate. She has moments where she is still a bit confused, but the doctors say this is to be expected.”
She fell on her left side when her horse took a tumble during a jump-off in a 1.40-meter class at HITS in Ocala on Jan. 29.
Emil commented previously she had a large bruise on her side as evidence of the fall’s severity. Now, however, her left side is getting stronger, he noted, and she can move her left leg.
“Left arm we hope is next. Still working hard in physical therapy. We are all thrilled with this week’s progress.”
When the Redfields crew returns to New Jersey after the Florida shows end, she can go to the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange on either an inpatient or outpatient basis, Emil has speculated.
Kessler is where 2008 dressage Olympian Courtney King Dye did her rehab in 2010 to recover from a serious head injury after her fall from a young horse.
Cassie Kahle in action. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Thousands of people have been following the progress of Cassie, a Canadian citizen who is very popular on the circuit.
A GoFundMe page to cover medical and rehab expenses for Cassie has been started by Liz Schindler McFadden. Click here to donate.
The fund is less than $2,000 short of its $150,000 goal.
“As a testament to Cassandra’s generous and loving spirit, her family will eventually donate any unused funds from this Go Fund Me to a charity of Cassie’s choosing,” Liz stated.
“We know the day will come when Cassie wakes up and learns of the generosity of this wonderful community and her first inclination will be to pay that forward.”
Emil hopes his insurance and workman’s compensation can pay for much of Cassie’s costs, though these situations are always tremendously expensive and not everything needed can be anticipated.
Cassie is an accomplished rider who won the $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National last year and the World Champion Hunter Rider Pro Challenge at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in 2019.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 17, 2022
The U.S. Eventing Association is highlighting its number areas around the country. New Jersey is in Area II, along with Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina. It has more members, 1,762, than any of the USEA’s other areas.
The Essex Horse Trials is a summer highlight of the eventing season in Area II. (Photo © 2021 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
The events that take place in the are include the country’s newest 5-star at Fair Hill, Md., and the venerable Essex Horse Trials in Far Hills, N.J.
Some of the sport’s biggest names live in Area II, including Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin in Pennsylvania.
Click on this link to find out more about Area II.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 16, 2022
A two-year-old video of Olympic eventing double gold medalist Mark Todd striking a horse with a tree branch continues to wreak havoc with his reputation.
The latest fallout from the controversy that erupted over airing of the incident is the announcement today of an interim suspension of his race training license imposed by the British Horseracing Authority.
Todd, a 65-year-old New Zealander who won individual gold at the 1984 and 1988 Games to become an icon of the sport, was named the FEI (international equestrian federation) eventer of the 20th Century. He had retired from eventing in 2000 to train racehorses. But in 2008, he made an eventing comeback and also continued to be involved in racing. He retired from eventing competition for the second time in 2019.
Mark Todd. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The video was made during a cross-country clinic where Todd was the instructor. A horse stopped on the edge of a water obstacle and would not proceed. Todd urged the animal to go forward, using the branch on its hindquarters, and the horse finally went into the water.
Investigations are continuing into the circumstances of this situation. Todd, who received a British knighthood in 2013, will not be able to enter horses in British races or internationally until the probe is completed.
A statement from the racing authority noted, “The trainer has admitted the individual involved in the video was him, has apologized for his actions and agreed to the imposition of an interim suspension.”
Prior to getting his British racing license in 2020, Todd had been a successful trainer in New Zealand. In eventing, he is a four-time winner of the Badminton 5-star and a five-time winner of the Burghley 5-star, both in Britain.
In a statement, Todd said, “I wholeheartedly apologize to the horse and all involved for my actions in this video clip. 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.
Mark Todd on McLaren at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in North Carolina. (Photo © 2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
“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.”
In the wake of the scandal, Todd resigned as a patron of World Horse Welfare.
That organization stated, “The treatment of the horse in this video is disturbing and unacceptable. There is no place in the horse-human partnership for such use of force. Mark agrees that his behavior was wrong and we welcome his apology.”
It added, “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.”
The charity added a warning that applies to everyone working with horses–especially in an era when very little is private and everyone has the ability to produce a video of anything.
“We all need to take heed from this episode,” the charity noted.
“If equestrian sport, which we actively support, is to continue to maintain the acceptance of the public–its social license–there cannot be any tolerance for unacceptable practices, no matter how experienced the rider or trainer.”
This is reminiscent of the outcry after a German coach punched a horse in the Tokyo Olympic pentathlon when it refused and its frustrated rider–who had been standing first in the five-part competition–burst into tears. The photos went worldwide. The incident didn’t help the cause of keeping riding in the pentathlon, and the show jumping part of that sport will be dropped after the 2024 Olympics. The fate of pentathlon itself is still uncertain for the 2028 Olympics.
There was an outcry among animal rights activists over the pentathlon scandal. PETA suggested all equestrian sports should be dropped from the Olympics, even though there can be no comparison between the situation of riding horses drawn by lot, as it relates to pentathlon, and the disciplines of dressage, eventing and show jumping, where riders train and develop their horses for years.
