• Heath Ryan was filmed whipping a horse over 40 times, claiming it was a last resort to save the animal from being euthanized.
• Equestrian Australia and the FEI suspended Ryan, while sponsors cut ties and animal welfare groups launched investigations.
• The video sparked widespread outrage, reigniting debate over training practices and animal cruelty in competitive equestrian sports.

The equestrian world is facing a storm of criticism after a disturbing video surfaced showing Australian Olympic dressage rider Heath Ryan repeatedly striking a horse during a training session. The footage, believed to have been recorded about two years ago, shows Ryan hitting the animal over 40 times in a shocking display that has triggered an avalanche of backlash.

Within hours of the video going viral, the internet was ablaze with fury. Animal rights campaigners, professional riders, and horrified viewers condemned what many saw as a clear case of abuse. Some viewers compared the footage to scenes from a different era—one where discipline crossed the line into cruelty.

What makes the situation even more explosive is Ryan’s response. Rather than deny or downplay the incident, the 66-year-old Olympian defended his actions in an emotional Facebook post, insisting that the controversial training session was, in fact, an attempt to save the horse’s life.

“He Was On His Way to Be Put Down”: Ryan’s Side of the Story

According to Ryan, the six-year-old horse—named Nico—was dangerously aggressive. The gelding had reportedly injured its previous rider so badly that they required hospitalization. After that, Nico was scheduled to be euthanized. That’s when Ryan stepped in.

“This was a last chance,” Ryan wrote in his now widely shared statement. “The horse was heading to the knackery. I wanted to see if he could be turned around.” He describes the session as a “life-or-death moment” where he tried to break through to the animal using tough methods. “I hated doing it. I didn’t want to, but I felt I had no other option.”

Ryan claimed that his approach worked. According to him, Nico improved dramatically after the session. Over time, the horse was re-trained, worked with Olympic-level riders, and eventually rehomed. But critics aren’t convinced that the ends justify the means.

Governing Bodies React Swiftly

The fallout was swift and unforgiving. Equestrian Australia, the sport’s national governing body, said it was “deeply concerned” by what it saw in the footage. The organization immediately suspended Ryan’s membership, barring him from competing in any affiliated events while a full investigation is underway. They also referred the matter to their integrity unit.

The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), the global governing body for equestrian sports, echoed the suspension at the international level.

Animal welfare organizations have now joined the chorus. The RSPCA confirmed it is launching an independent inquiry into the incident. There are growing calls for harsher sanctions—not only against Ryan, but also for reform across the sport.

Sponsors Cut Ties as Backlash Mounts

Sponsorship deals began unraveling almost as soon as the video hit social media. Prydes EasiFeed and Bates Saddles, two companies closely tied to Ryan, both terminated their partnerships. They issued public statements affirming their commitment to animal welfare and distancing themselves from the controversy.

Another supplier, Horseland, removed all mentions of Ryan from its website.

The damage to Ryan’s reputation has been swift and severe. Though his defenders say his intentions were noble, the broader public isn’t buying it. “Saving a horse doesn’t mean beating it into submission,” wrote one furious commenter. “You don’t train with a whip. You terrify.”

Familiar Scandal, Familiar Fury

This latest controversy comes just months after a similar scandal rocked the equestrian world. British Olympic gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin faced her own reckoning in 2024 when a video showed her striking a horse more than 20 times during a training session. That incident led to a one-year ban and forced many within the sport to confront difficult questions about training culture and boundaries.

For many, Ryan’s video feels like déjà vu—a disturbing echo of a sport struggling to evolve. Once again, the spotlight is shining on what goes on behind closed barn doors.

Is the Sport at a Breaking Point?

There’s no denying that the horse, Nico, avoided the fate of slaughter and is now living a better life. But at what cost? That’s the uncomfortable question facing the industry now.

Ryan’s defenders argue that he acted out of desperation. In their view, he stepped in when no one else would, and took on a dangerous horse others had given up on. They claim he gave Nico a second chance.

But critics say there must be a better way—one that doesn’t involve fear or pain. For them, the video shows a toxic side of competitive training, where winning, reputation, and old-school discipline trump animal welfare.

“This isn’t about one rider,” one equestrian blogger posted. “It’s about a system that still allows this to happen—and in some corners, even defends it.”