Sir Mark Todd sorry over social media video of him striking a horse with a branch
British Horseracing Authority investigating video which emerged on social media; Sir Mark Todd: "One of the main things I preach is about establishing a mutual respect between horse and rider... I am very disappointed in myself that I did not adhere to that in this case"
Monday 14 February 2022 17:15, UK
The British Horseracing Authority has described Sir Mark Todd as falling "a long way short of the standards of care" expected from licensed individuals after a video emerged on social media of the trainer striking a horse with a branch.
Todd was a highly successful three-day eventer before taking out his training licence, winning two Olympic gold medals in 1984 and 1988 for New Zealand and earning a knighthood in 2013 for his equestrian achievements.
In the video, Todd appears to be teaching a cross-country schooling session where one rider is struggling to get a horse into the water jump, with the trainer then brandishing a branch and striking the horse several times on the hindquarters.
Todd has apologised for his actions, but the BHA said it has opened an investigation.
A spokesperson said: "The footage seen this weekend of Sir Mark Todd hitting a horse with a branch has rightly caused anger and upset within the equestrian community and beyond.
"His behaviour, for which he has apologised, fell a long way short of the standards of care we expect of licensed individuals and that we know is provided to the overwhelming majority of horses in training in Britain every day.
"The BHA is looking into the incident."
Todd, whose most prominent horse is training is King Edward VII Stakes runner-up Tasman Bay, said in a statement: "I wholeheartedly apologise to the horse and all involved for my actions in this video clip.
"One of the main things I preach is about establishing a mutual respect between horse and rider and that patience and kindness is the best way to get results.
"I believe this is one of the main attributes along with a great empathy with animals that has enabled me to have a long and successful career in eventing.
"I am very disappointed in myself that I did not adhere to that in this case."
Todd has stepped down from his role as a patron for World Horse Welfare. A statement said: "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 practises, no matter how experienced the rider or trainer."
Equine and farm supply company Equiwarehouse will no longer sell any of Sir Mark's merchandise.
A statement on their Facebook page read: "With no regret at all, we will no longer be selling any Mark Todd clothing, horse wear or feed. Mark Todd Eventing you should be utterly ashamed of yourself, vile 'professional' and disgrace of a human."
Land Rover has told Sky Sports News it is "extremely disappointed" by the video and the firm is "actively investigating". Todd has been the equestrian ambassador for Land Rover in the UK since 2017.
A spokesperson for Land Rover said: "Land Rover is aware of the video featuring Sir Mark Todd, which contravenes our values as a brand. Having supported equestrian sport for over 30 years we are extremely disappointed and will be actively investigating the incident."
An RSPCA press statement, said: "We are aware of this upsetting video. We have been given information which suggests this happened in another country but we would encourage anyone with first hand information to contact their nearest Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Our emergency line is 0300 1234 999."
