Equestrian Australia CEO Sam Jones expressed support for the FEI’s investigation into allegations involving Australian dressage rider Heath Ryan and his treatment of a horse named Nico. Ryan, who competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, explained that Nico was a difficult horse that came to him after an incident requiring hospital treatment for a female rider. He stated that the controversial video showing him whipping Nico was a desperate attempt to find alternative options for the horse’s future, emphasizing that his actions were made with the horse’s best interests in mind.

The incident has drawn parallels to a previous case involving British Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin, who was banned for a year by the FEI after a video showed her striking a horse with a whip. Equestrian Australia has urged patience as the FEI conducts a thorough and fair investigation, while Ryan expressed regret that the video was made public, noting the negative impact it has had on him despite his intentions.