Several people from the same riding club reported the rider for violence against horses in January.
The Disciplinary Committee decided that the rider was not allowed to participate in national team-related activities during the investigation. The rider in question has championship experience and is part of one of the many national teams in equestrian sports.
The rider denied the allegations and welcomed an investigation.
According to Tidningenridsport, the rider rode a horse in a harsh manner and wrote that "The complainants have stated how angry shouts were heard from the reported rider and the horse was overbent in the neck in both directions, so-called hyperflexion. The reported rider kicked the horse aggressively on both sides for about five minutes".
The rider is also said to have been seen giving the horse repeated whip lashes to the neck.
Stressed horse
In another reported incident, a complainant described an aggressive ride where "the horse looked stressed, repeatedly hit with its tail and sometimes ran sideways."
The Disciplinary Committee assesses the credibility of the complainants as high since several of them have professional experience in equestrian sports.
Their accounts are also considered credible.
The Disciplinary Committee has concluded that the reported rider was responsible for unauthorized treatment of horses on four occasions in December 2024 and January.
Banned for four months
In the verdict, the Disciplinary Committee (DIN) writes: "It is a matter of repeated incidents with multiple witnesses who, according to DIN, have provided credible accounts showing that the reported rider treated horses in an unauthorized manner. The reported rider has acknowledged that the incidents did occur, but claims that the behavior is not to be considered unauthorized treatment. This does not change DIN's assessment. DIN views the reported rider's behavior seriously, as horse welfare must always come first in horse training."
The rider is banned for four months from participating in competitions, training, and holding training sessions at facilities owned by member associations or Idrotts AB.
The rider no longer has a place in the national team for the discipline they are active in.
