Overview
- Speaking before his first start at the Stuttgart German Masters, the Olympic gold medallist apologized and said his decision in Verona was a mistake.
- A roughly 30–35 second clip from Verona shows him riding Just be Gentle only on schlaufzügel, which violates FN guidance but drew no objections from FEI stewards at the event.
- Stuttgart organizers confirmed he may start, with officials stressing such scenes are unacceptable and warning of consequences if similar training occurs there.
- FN leaders Martin Richenhagen and Dennis Peiler criticized the images and pressed the FEI to resolve gaps between national rules and international oversight.
- Kukuk said the video lacks broader context, described a tense training situation, pledged a different approach in future, and received public backing from national coach Otto Becker.