Statement regarding Mark Todd video
Posted on 14/02/2022

The treatment of the horse in this video is disturbing and unacceptable. There is no place in the horse-human partnership for such use of force. Mark agrees that his behaviour was wrong and we welcome his apology. Mark is a consummate horseman, who cares deeply for horses and their welfare but, in this case, either through losing his patience or acting out of frustration, he has badly let himself down. To his credit, when the video came to Mark’s attention he contacted us and voluntarily stepped down as one of our Patrons. We all need to take heed from this episode. If equestrian sport, which we actively support, is to continue to maintain the acceptance of the public – its social licence – there cannot be any tolerance for unacceptable practices, no matter how experienced the rider or trainer.
Topics
Related News

World Horse Welfare statement in response to Charlotte Dujardin’s provisional suspension
"We know that a successful future for horse sport has public trust at the centre of it..."

Struggling horse owners are urged to rehome this summer
We have joined forces with Blue Cross to help avoid a winter welfare crisis.
Recommended Blog Posts

Post Olympic reflections on equestrian sport
We all have the power and the responsibility to move towards more ethical and evidence-based equestrianism.

Can you cut the costs of horse ownership without compromising on their care?
Chief Field Officer Claire Gordon looks at ways to cut costs without compromising on care.

Laminitis: what is it, why do horses get it, and how is it treated?
Head of UK Support Sam Chubbock explains what laminitis is, what causes it and how it can be treated.
Enjoy reading stories like this?
Join over 65,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter

Join over 65,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Sign me up now