“I Didn’t Get a Raw Deal”: Longtime Equestrian Analyst Breaks Silence Months After Departure From Top Networks

The world recently pushed back the covid-19 pandemic. However, the problem of online and cyberbullying is an unaddressed pandemic of its own. While authorities usually focus on the safety of teenagers, adults are not much safe from online shaming either. Along similar lines, a longtime equestrian analyst recently succumbed to the pressure and quit the industry.

People knew former equestrian analyst Ken Rudolph for his cheerfulness and lively spirit. However, Rudolph’s cheerfulness was slowly eaten away by the toxicity he faced online. Rudolph recently opened up about the entire episode of what happened and explained the reasons for his departure.

Former equestrian analyst on online backlash

Ken Rudolph worked for top equestrian networks, TVG and FanDuelTV. His experience of 17 years in the industry saw several high and low tides. However, according to Rudolph’s words, he was just seen as a ‘token’ in the industry. This did not sit correctly with him, and thus, he decided to change things and make his mark. Despite several attempts, however, Rudolph always bumped into the wall of intense online hatred. Rudolph’s on-air skills and his equestrian knowledge were constantly bombarded with hate by the social media cult. This took a significant toll on him, and the online hostility he faced started to project in his mannerisms. Rudolph admitted that while his colleagues were accommodating, he realized he was a problem for them.

Rudolph openly said, “Everything that went down is all on ME. I wasn’t done wrong, I didn’t get a raw deal.” Things escalated when the recent issues regarding equine safety shrouded the equestrian world. Rudolph last worked as an on-air analyst in June 2023. He was cornered with online hatred, his position as a token, and his own conflicting thoughts. The former equestrian analyst has moved to the NBA and revealed that things have been better. Rudolph maintained that he doesn’t have bad blood with anybody and is grateful to all his colleagues in the industry.

Ken Rudolph on his next chapter

Ken Rudolph emphasized the help he received even after his ties were severed with horses and horse racing. “My boss, Kevin Grigsby, is a good dude and he supported me and helped to create a spot for me on air,” he noted. Rudolph said that he appreciates his experience in equestrian sports. He acknowledged the big boost his career got because of the industry. However, he could not work in a place where he had lost faith.

ALSO READ – Multiple Equestrian Race-Winning Horse Worth $4,231,290 Meets Saddening Fate

Rudolph currently works as an on-air analyst in the NBA and covers the matches of the Sacramento Kings. Rudolph has said that he has not received a single hateful comment ever since. He agreed that horse racing was a place where he remained eternally suspended and never welcomed by fans. However, he ended his note by saying that the Kentucky Derby will always hold a dear place in his heart. While Rudolph found his sanctuary elsewhere, the horse racing industry struggles under intense external pressure.

WATCH STORY – 2023 FEI NAYC Jumping Championships Podiums Taken Away by the Young Equestrian Prodigies in Junior and Young Rider Category