The FEI has provisionally suspended a former Olympic rider because it investigates an “appalling and abhorrent coaching video”.

The footage reveals a horse being hit twice on the neck or head whereas in ridden coaching, and an extended whip getting used with one other horse on lengthy traces.

The movies have since been shared to YouTube and a United States Equestrian USEF spokesman advised H&H it’s conscious of the scenario.

“We’re conscious of the appalling and abhorrent coaching video posted yesterday. We now have notified the FEI and are working with them to provoke the investigation of this critical matter,” the spokesman stated.

“USEF stands strongly in opposition to coaching strategies that are abusive to horses. For extra data on reporting equine abuse, and the position of USEF in stopping equine abuse [visit the USEF website].”

An FEI spokesman advised H&H dressage rider Cesar Parra has been “instantly provisionally suspended whereas the FEI investigates the disturbing and abhorrent pictures and movies in relation to his coaching strategies which have lately emerged”.

“Equestrian sport is constructed on a basis of respect for our equine companions, with an obligation of care to make sure their psychological and bodily wellbeing comes first, forward of all competitors and/or coaching ambitions,” the spokesman stated.

“By way of the FEI’s guidelines and rules, the welfare of the horse, and any motion or omission which causes or is prone to trigger ache or pointless discomfort to a horse constitutes a violation of our guidelines and will probably be sanctioned. The FEI stays resolute in its dedication to upholding the best requirements of equine welfare and sanctioning behaviour which deviates from these rules, and will probably be actively investigating this case as a matter of urgency.

“As that is an open investigation, no additional remark will probably be supplied in relation to the alleged offences whereas the investigation is ongoing. The FEI can also be collaborating and liaising with US Equestrian and the FEI’s provisional suspension and any subsequent sanctions will probably be recognised on the nationwide stage.”

Cesar Parra is initially from Colombia, however was given US citizenship in 2009. He was on the US crew that received gold on the 2011 Pan American Video games, represented the US on the 2006 World Equestrian Video games and has competed at World Cup finals. Earlier than he took US citizenship, he competed on the 2004 Olympics.

H&H has approached Cesar for remark.

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Enthusiastic about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all elements of the business, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, through which she competes her personal horses, and she or he additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals via to worldwide championships.