Statement regarding Mark Todd video
Posted on 14/02/2022

The treatment of the horse in this video is disturbing and unacceptable. There is no place in the horse-human partnership for such use of force. Mark agrees that his behaviour was wrong and we welcome his apology. Mark is a consummate horseman, who cares deeply for horses and their welfare but, in this case, either through losing his patience or acting out of frustration, he has badly let himself down. To his credit, when the video came to Mark’s attention he contacted us and voluntarily stepped down as one of our Patrons. We all need to take heed from this episode. If equestrian sport, which we actively support, is to continue to maintain the acceptance of the public – its social licence – there cannot be any tolerance for unacceptable practices, no matter how experienced the rider or trainer.
Topics
Related News

Our response to welfare recommendations by the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission
We warmly welcome the newly published vision for ensuring the future involvement of horses in sport.

Outrageous slaughterhouse cruelty revealed in RTÉ documentary
A documentary by Irish broadcaster RTÉ, shown yesterday evening, has left our charity outraged at the shocking acts of cruelty captured within an Irish slaughterhouse lairage.
Recommended Blog Posts

Top tips and practical advice on managing your horse’s weight to keep them healthy
Assistant Centre Manager Sara Jerman explains practical ways to manage your horse’s nutritional intake and keep them at a healthy weight.

Sweet itch: what is it and how do we manage our ponies who have it?
Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre Assistant Centre Manager Sara Jerman explains more.

We catch up with Cadbury and his rehomer on National Chocolate Day
The sweetest rescue pony makes the most of his second chance with rehomer Lucy.
Enjoy reading stories like this?
Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter

Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Sign me up now