Equestrian Community Reacts to Animal Welfare Concerns Ahead of Paris Olympics

VERSAILLES, France (AP) — The equestrian community is grappling with a scandal involving three-time gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin, whose recent video showing her whipping a horse during training has raised serious concerns about animal welfare. Fellow riders expressed shock at the footage, which has intensified scrutiny on the treatment of horses in the sport. The incident follows a formal warning issued to rider Carlos Parro by the Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) for causing potential discomfort to his horse, Safira. Kathy Guillermo, senior vice president of PETA, welcomed the FEI's action but emphasized ongoing concerns for the welfare of the horses involved. U.S. Equestrian Federation chief of sport, Martin O’Connor, highlighted the importance of training methods that encourage horses to perform willingly rather than through fear or punishment. He acknowledged the need for ethical practices in the sport, stating that the community is committed to addressing any unethical behavior. The British equestrian team faces heightened scrutiny as the controversy unfolds, with O’Connor asserting that the sport will demonstrate its positive aspects during the upcoming Olympics. The FEI's veterinary director, Goran Akerstrom, underscored the necessity of recognizing both physical and emotional stress in horses, a sentiment echoed by recent incidents, including the elimination of Emiliano Portale's horse from competition due to blood found in its mouth. As the Paris Olympics approach, the equestrian world is under pressure to ensure the humane treatment of horses, with past incidents, including a German coach's expulsion from the Tokyo 2020 Games for abusing a horse, prompting significant changes in the sport's governance.