Sam Jones, the CEO of Equestrian Australia, added: “It is both suitable and welcome that FEI leads the investigation of this issue.
“Equestrian Australia remains extremely concerned about the incident and the allegations, and we will support the FEI in any possible way.
“We know that our community likes to be answers, but we would ask for patience, because the FEI rightly follows a thorough and honest trial, in accordance with their policies and procedures.”
Ryan represented Australia in dressage at the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008 and finished seventh.
He said the horse, named Nico, came to him after an accident that resulted in a female rider who needed hospital treatment.
The Australian said that Nico “had always been a problem child and just wouldn’t stop” and after the video he could bring the horse home again.
Said Ryan” external: “I am so sad that this was caught on video. If I had thought of myself, I would immediately leave and sent Nico to the Knackery.
“That video was a life or death moment for Nico and I really had to try my best to see if Nico would consider other options.
“All this happened sincerely with the best importance of the horse the only consideration. It was so successful for everyone except me with the release of this video.”
The triple Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain missed the Paris games last year after a video arose from her repeatedly a horse around his legs with a long whip.
She was then banned by the FEI for a year.
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