If you claim yourself to be a fan of equestrian sports, chances are, you also hold a soft corner in your heart for animals. Considering the major impact the four-legged creatures have on the sport, caring for them becomes a crucial factor in achieving success. However, sometimes, news emerges that can infuriate the community. Luckily, people who hold power keep a close watch on such undesirable incidents and don’t hold back when meting out justice, even if takes some time to deliver.

Equestrian stars form a close bond with their horses. From Isabell Werth to Melody Theolissat, nearly all of these athletes would agree that their popularity heavily depends on how well they coordinate with their equine partners. However, there are times when these stars lose their cool and step out of line. Thankfully, their unsavory actions do not go unnoticed.

Australian equestrian star faces harsh retribution

On October 13, The Advertiser published an article that updates the community about the allegations against South Australia’s Anthony Dean Thomas. The 49-year-old is one of the notable equestrian stars from the country, but when a video emerged earlier this year showing Thomas using a riding helmet to hit a horse in the head, it naturally sent a shockwave across the world. The article states that RSPCA has charged the Paechtown native “with one count of ill treatment of an animal,” and he will have to present himself to the Mt Barker Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The official statement confirmed that the RSPCA found Thomas’ actions “thereby allegedly (caused) unnecessary harm,” to the bovine animal. The video from May showed Anthony striking a showjumping horse with his helmet, at a location possibly nearby to the Oakside Park Stud facility. Thomas is currently en route to selling the property.

If he is convicted of the crime, Thomas will have to pay a $20,000 fine or serve up to two years in prison. The equestrian rider issued a statement back in May when the controversy first surfaced. “I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the equestrian community publicly, regarding recent events. I’ve acknowledged that I have allowed a culmination of many traumatic events over the past six months to affect my mental health and interfere with my behavior,” he said. However, as his lawyers pointed out, Thomas did not admit to the allegations in his statement. Thomas’ actions once again reminded the fans how such deplorable deeds don’t go unpunished, as they once again remembered the misfortune that befell Charlotte Dujardin.

Even the biggest stars cannot escape the long arm of justice

The 3-time Olympic gold medalist Dujardin pulled out of the 2024 Paris Games after video evidence surfaced showing her striking a horse during a training session. The film, which was apparently recorded years ago, caught up with the famous British rider and the FEI handed her a six-month ban. The FEI made the following statement in relation to the allegations against Dujardin: “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare – during a training session conducted at Ms Dujardin’s private stable.” In a letter sent to the equestrian apex body, Charlotte was seen beating her horse 24 times in a minute, which ruffled a lot of feathers across the horse-riding world.

“I am deeply ashamed. What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils,” Dujardin later stated along with announcing her withdrawal from the 33rd Olympics, but the FEI didn’t budge from its stance that she needed to face the consequences for her actions. “Despite the unfortunate timing, we believe this action reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to welfare as the guardians of our equine partners and the integrity of our sport,” FEI’s president Ingmar De Vos said on the matter. How do you think such issues can be reduced and riders are forced to take the utmost care for their equine partners? Share your suggestion with us below!