Overview

• Video recorded roughly two years ago shows Ryan delivering 42 strikes to his horse, Nico, within 30 seconds.
• Ryan says the six-year-old horse Nico was slated for euthanasia after an accident and that his actions were part of a “rescue mission.”
• Equestrian Australia issued a provisional ban on Ryan’s participation in all events and opened a formal inquiry into the incident.
• The FEI has joined the inquiry and faces calls to reinforce animal welfare protocols at both national and international levels.
• The case echoes last year’s suspension of Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin by the FEI for similar abuse footage.