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

Statement on BBC Panorama programme – The Dark Side of Horse Racing
Joint statement from BHS, Blue Cross, Bransby Horses, Horse World, Redwings, RSPCA and World Horse Welfare.

How is coronavirus impacting World Horse Welfare’s work in the UK?
Find out how the current situation in the UK is affecting our work helping horses in light of the latest Government advice on coronavirus.
Recommended Blog Posts

“So how does Vet Day work then?”
Claire Dickie, Glenda Spooner Farm Centre Manager, gives an overview of how vet day works at our farms.

The Trafficked 20 – Strangles
The hidden issues associated with rescuing smuggled horses.
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