The British Horseracing Authority has temporarily stripped two-time Olympic champion equestrian Mark Todd of his training license over a 2020 incident concerning the treatment of a horse. According to a report by the Associated Press, Todd's license has been suspended pending an investigation into a video in which he is seen striking a horse repeatedly with a branch.
In a 2020 video at a training clinic, Todd could be seen repeatedly hitting a horse that refused to jump into water. Todd has admitted to being the individual seen in the footage, and he has accepted his suspension as well as apologized for his treatment of the horse.
"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," read a statement by Todd. "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."
Under the terms of his suspension, Todd will be forbidden from racing horses either in Britain or internationally. Todd, a longtime equestrian and trainer, is one of the most famous Olympians that the nation of New Zealand has ever produced. He competed in seven summer games from 1984 to 2016, winning gold medals in eventing at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Todd also earned three bronze medals during his Olympic career.
