30/11/2025
For many reasons I don’t think horse sports belong in the Olympics and over the years I’ve seen more physical abuse to horses than any other species I work with to the point I interact with almost no horse people. Unless they’re onboard with cooperative care and horse keeping in line with horses’ natural history and biology they aren’t welcome at our facility.
Is Equestrian Sport Facing a Reckoning?
As the behind the scenes horrors carried out by yet another "Olympian" are unveiled in this recent article by by ABC Australia, we can surely no longer accept that the Olympics represents the best of equestrianism.
This article and new piece argues that elite equestrian disciplines, especially dressage, are under growing scrutiny as a wave of horse-welfare scandals threatens the sport’s reputation and even its place in the Olympics.
At the center of controversy is Heath Ryan, a former Olympic-level rider and trainer, who is being investigated by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) after a video surfaced appearing to show him whipping a horse.
The same investigation has also brought to light photos and videos from 2022 showing a severely injured mare, “Quartz R,” at Ryan’s stable — images that depict a level of distress prompting questions about whether the horse received appropriate care before being euthanised.
Veterinarians who reviewed the material describe the injuries as “life-threatening,” and criticised the handling and treatment methods, suggesting they were inadequate.
Critics argue this case reflects deeper systemic issues: decades of breeding, intense competition pressure, financial incentives, and training methods that prioritise performance over welfare.
The article also highlights that the controversy isn’t limited to one rider.
Experts say that changing societal attitudes toward animals — recognizing that horses feel pain, fear, and stress — are shifting public tolerance.
For many, the central question becomes whether equestrian sport, as currently practiced, can reconcile competitive ambitions with respect and compassion for the animals involved.
Link to full article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-30/equestrian-heath-ryan-horse-welfare-fei/106049564?
CALL TO ACTION:
The IOC Board will be meeting on the 9th and 10th of December and we ask all horse welfare advocates to contact the them and demand that equestrian sport be banned from the Olympics - https://support.olympics.com/hc/en-gb/requests/new
From our years of trying to effect change through diplomatic sources, it is CLEAR that the changes are not coming, and this is the ONLY way forward to get any kind of relief for these horses who are suffering daily under the hands of these 'elite" riders.
For any JOURNALISTS interested in attending via zoom, the link is below. You will be able to ask questions.
https://www.olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-executive-board-meeting-9-10-december-2025-information-for-the-media
Again, for any non-media, please email the IOC directly (https://support.olympics.com/hc/en-gb/requests/new) with a simple message to ban equestrian events from the Olympics due to the widespread horse abuse and include a link to the news article:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-30/equestrian-heath-ryan-horse-welfare-fei/106049564?
