Australian Olympian Heath Ryan is banned from competition for 18 months after an international equestrian governing body finds he abused a horse. The suspension follows an investigation into video footage that appears to show Ryan whipping a horse repeatedly.
Multiple outlets report that the governing body—FEI—imposes an 18-month suspension and a fine. The matter centers on how many strikes are depicted in the video, with one outlet citing a finding of 41 strikes. Ryan disputes the allegations, saying he was trying to save the horse from being sent to a knackery.
Sources also describe earlier domestic consequences. The Guardian and other Australian outlets note that Ryan was already suspended by Equestrian Australia after the video emerged on social media last year, before the international decision was made.
