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 the Grand National 2024
"It’s certainly good news that all horses made it home safely in the Grand National."

Chief Executive Roly Owers Awarded OBE for Services to Equine Welfare
Roly Owers, World Horse Welfare Chief Executive, is to receive an OBE for services to equine welfare in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
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.

The need to improve equine welfare at slaughter
A look inside our much-needed research to inform improved practices worldwide.

Our London Marathon runners 2025
We catch up with the six runners taking on this epic event for our charity to find out how their training is going.
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