In recent years, the disturbing trend of professional riders being exposed for horse abuse has escalated, revealing a deep-seated problem within the competitive equestrian community. This petition calls for the removal of horses from the Olympic Games to protect these animals from further suffering at the hands of those who prioritize winning over welfare.

Most troublingly, FEI voted on 7 November 2025 to weaken its so-called “no-blood” rule. As of 11/07/25, horses with visible bleeding during competition may now continue competing if deemed “fit to compete”. This change sends a clear signal that the welfare of the horse is subordinate to competitive spectacle and borderlines on cruelty. If we claim to value humane treatment of all animals, we must refuse to allow an institution that permits bleeding horses in performance to stand on the Olympic stage.

A recent ABC investigation revealed serious horse-welfare concerns involving Olympic riders. Footage surfaced showing Olympian Ryan repeatedly whipping a horse during training, while separate photos and videos of his pregnant mare, Quartz R, exposed a severe and allegedly mistreated leg injury that ultimately led to her euthanasia after part of her hoof detached. An independent equine vet described the mare’s care as dangerously inadequate. Although Ryan is currently under provisional suspension, no final decision has been made. This case highlights a deeper, systemic issue within elite equestrian sport where horses’ wellbeing is too often compromised and why stronger accountability and reform are urgently needed. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-30/equestrian-heath-ryan-horse-welfare-fei/106049564

Recent Examples of Abuse by Pro Riders:

Heath Ryan (2025) - Australian Olympian Heath Ryan is under investigation by the FEI regarding separate images revealing his pregnant mare, Quartz R, with a severe, improperly treated leg injury that later led to euthanasia. Veterinarians described the mare’s condition and care as dangerously inadequate, prompting widespread concern about horse welfare in elite equestrian sport. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-30/equestrian-heath-ryan-horse-welfare-fei/106049564

Australian Olympian Heath Ryan suspended after a video surfaced showing him whipping a horse named Nico 42 times during a training session. The footage, reportedly filmed two years ago, led both the FEI and Equestrian Australia to provisionally suspend the 66-year-old rider from all competitions. https://youtu.be/6qRZDIhRjX0?si=UcWUJc6EdSjXE1nj

Charlotte Dujardin (2024) - Dujardin, a celebrated Olympic dressage rider, was recently exposed for using harsh training methods that caused physical and psychological harm to a horse. Investigations revealed video evidence of excessive aggressive whipping, which is a clear violation of FEI regulations. Seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcudpwRpLgg

Carlos Parro (Paris 2024 Olympics) - Brazilian Olympic equestrian Carlos Parro received a yellow warning card from the Fédération Equestre Internationale after submitted photographs showed Parro employing a training method known as "Rollkur" or hyperflexion. This technique involves forcefully bending the horse's neck into an exaggerated position, which can compromise breathing and cause long-term health issues. 

Andrew McConnon (2024) - A U.S. five-star eventing rider, provisionally suspended on January 8, 2025 by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) for alleged horse abuse involving multiple horses over an extended period. The investigation was initiated after videos surfaced in September 2024, allegedly showing McConnon striking horses during training sessions. https://youtu.be/d6L1bQwwqzs?si=FWU1vykZ0Wxgo4RI

Andreas Helgstrand (2023) - The Danish Olympic dressage rider faced severe criticism when a video surfaced showing Helgstrand employing techniques that caused significant distress to the horses, leading to public outrage and calls for stricter enforcement of welfare standards. https://youtu.be/WA5iQnb4SLI?si=mTp5NiA962f_vQtt

Dr. Cesar Parra (2023) - An Olympic dressage rider who has represented both Colombia and the United States, was involved in a high-profile case where a video emerged of him severely disciplining a horse during a training session. The footage showed Parra hitting the horse multiple times, leading to investigations and fines for violating welfare regulations.

Andrew Kocher (2023) - A U.S. pro rider was suspended for 10 years by the FEI Tribunal in 2021 for using electric spurs on multiple horses. This decision was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2023.

Sir Mark Todd (2022) - A video surfaced showing Sir Mark Todd, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, repeatedly striking a horse with a tree branch during a 2020 training clinic. Todd received a four-month suspension, and he stepped down as a patron of World Horse Welfare. https://youtu.be/76y4vLf-Ptw?si=mJ1jFriYu-r6dcd-

Leandro Aparecido (2020) - Brazilian Olympic dressage rider Leandro Aparecido da Silva faced a three-year suspension from the Fédération Equestre Internationale following a widely circulated video showing him aggressively riding his daughter's small pony, Pirulito. In the footage, da Silva is seen jabbing the pony's mouth and pulling on the reins, actions deemed abusive by the FEI Tribunal.

Ludger Beerbaum (2019) - The German Olympic show jumper faced allegations of 'parallel bars' training methods, where horses' legs are intentionally hit to make them jump higher. An undercover investigation by a German TV channel provided concrete evidence of this cruel practice, resulting in widespread condemnation.

Cian O'Connor (2017) - The Irish Olympic show jumper was penalized after his horse tested positive for a banned substance, highlighting the prevalence of doping to enhance performance. This practice not only endangers the health of the horses but also violates FEI's strict anti-doping regulations.

Patrik Kittel (2009) - Kittel, a Swedish Olympic rider, was filmed using the rollkur technique on his horse, Scandic, causing the horse's tongue to turn blue due to restricted blood flow. Leading to public outcry and an FEI investigation, which concluded without sanctions.

Amy Tryon (2007) - A U.S. Olympic equestrian who's horse Le Samurai sustained a catastrophic injury at the 2007 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event—severing his suspensory apparatus below the fetlock. Despite the injury, Tryon continued to ride and completed the final fence before pulling up, leading to widespread criticism and an investigation by the Fédération Equestre Internationale.

Systematic Violations of Regulations:

Professional riders have been regularly found in violation of both FEI and local horse welfare regulations, including:

Overuse of Whips and Spurs: Despite clear guidelines on the acceptable use of these aids, many riders resort to excessive force, causing undue stress and pain to the horses.

Abusive Training Methods: Practices such as 'rollkur' (hyperflexion) and other extreme training techniques are still prevalent, despite being banned by the FEI.

Doping and Drugging: The use of performance-enhancing drugs remains a serious issue, compromising the health and wellbeing of the horses.

Neglect of Basic Care: Instances of neglect, inadequate stabling conditions, and failure to provide proper veterinary care have been documented among top-tier competitors.

Call to Action:

The continued abuse of horses by professional riders is a grave ethical concern that tarnishes the integrity of the sport and endangers the welfare of these animals. We urge the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to: Remove Equestrian Events from the Olympics: horses should not be subjected to the risks and abuse associated with Olympic competition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9jnabb-cTE&t=14s

Contact the IOC directly: pressoffice@olympic.org

By signing this petition, you stand with us in demanding an end to Equestrian Olympic sports. Together, we can protect these beautiful creatures and ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.