Latest news with #FédérationÉquestreInternationale
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Olympic Equestrian Heath Ryan Claims He Was Trying To Save Horse That He Whipped Continuously In Video
Olympic equestrian Heath Ryan was suspended Thursday after officials said they were 'deeply concerned' by video of him whipping a horse dozens of times. The resurfaced clip from a few years back caught the attention of Equestrian Australia's Integrity Unit, which said it is launching an investigation into the actions of Ryan, a dressage competitor at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. He finished 34th in the individual event. The disturbing footage shows Ryan continuously striking the horse as the smacking blows resonate. Nico was hit at least 40 times, according to outlets. At one point the horse begins to kick up a leg with every impact. Ryan claimed he was trying to save the uncooperative horse from the 'Knackery,' where destroyed animals are processed. On Facebook he said a friend had dropped off the horse after a serious accident riding the animal. 'I am so sad this was caught on video,' Ryan wrote on June 11. 'If I had been thinking of myself I would have immediately just gotten off and sent Nico to the Knackery. That video was a life or death moment for Nico and of that I was very aware. I felt I genuinely had to try my very hardest to see if Nico would consider other options.' Ryan said the 'problem child' animal did eventually respond without 'excessive driving aids' and he was able to find Nico a new home where he is 'thriving' with 'an exciting future.' 'If you think I did that flippantly you are wrong,' Ryan continued. 'I hated reaching out in those moments to Nico and asking the hard questions. That was the last place I wanted to be. I have never before ridden a horse that reacted like that and I certainly will never do it again. Was it worth it?? Well not for me however I am very happy for Nico. I need to add that this happened about 2 years ago and the video has been posted by an unhappy ex employee. All I can say is that this awful video was collateral damage of me from the bottom of my heart launching a rescue mission.' The sport's international body, Fédération Équestre Internationale, also suspended him. Man Busted For Animal Cruelty So Extreme That Cop Said He Had To Gather Himself Ronan The Head-Bopping Sea Lion Proves Animals Can Keep A Beat Pilot Who Flew 'Hundreds' Of Shelter Animals To Safe Homes Dies In Plane Crash
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Olympic Equestrian Heath Ryan Claims He Was Trying To Save Horse That He Whipped Continuously In Video
Olympic equestrian Heath Ryan was suspended Thursday after officials said they were 'deeply concerned' by video of him whipping a horse dozens of times. The resurfaced clip from a few years back caught the attention of Equestrian Australia's Integrity Unit, which said it is launching an investigation into the actions of Ryan, a dressage competitor at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. He finished 34th in the individual event. The disturbing footage shows Ryan continuously striking the horse as the smacking blows resonate. Nico was hit at least 40 times, according to outlets. At one point the horse begins to kick up a leg with every impact. Ryan claimed he was trying to save the uncooperative horse from the 'Knackery,' where destroyed animals are processed. On Facebook he said a friend had dropped off the horse after a serious accident riding the animal. 'I am so sad this was caught on video,' Ryan wrote on June 11. 'If I had been thinking of myself I would have immediately just gotten off and sent Nico to the Knackery. That video was a life or death moment for Nico and of that I was very aware. I felt I genuinely had to try my very hardest to see if Nico would consider other options.' Ryan said the 'problem child' animal did eventually respond without 'excessive driving aids' and he was able to find Nico a new home where he is 'thriving' with 'an exciting future.' 'If you think I did that flippantly you are wrong,' Ryan continued. 'I hated reaching out in those moments to Nico and asking the hard questions. That was the last place I wanted to be. I have never before ridden a horse that reacted like that and I certainly will never do it again. Was it worth it?? Well not for me however I am very happy for Nico. I need to add that this happened about 2 years ago and the video has been posted by an unhappy ex employee. All I can say is that this awful video was collateral damage of me from the bottom of my heart launching a rescue mission.' The sport's international body, Fédération Équestre Internationale, also suspended him. Man Busted For Animal Cruelty So Extreme That Cop Said He Had To Gather Himself Ronan The Head-Bopping Sea Lion Proves Animals Can Keep A Beat Pilot Who Flew 'Hundreds' Of Shelter Animals To Safe Homes Dies In Plane Crash
Khaleej Times
21-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Al Marzooqi makes history as first Emirati to qualify for prestigious FEI World Cup finals
Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi has made history as the first Emirati showjumper to qualify for the FEI World Cup Finals, securing his place among the sport's elite. The 21-year-old, who finished second in the Arab League Middle East standings, will represent the UAE on one of the sport's grandest stages in Basel, Switzerland, from April 2 to 6, 2025. The FEI World Cup Finals in show jumping are one of the most prestigious indoor championships in equestrian sport, organized annually by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). The event brings together the top riders and horses from various regional leagues around the world to compete for the coveted title. 'Qualifying for the FEI World Cup Finals is an incredible honour,' said Al Marzooqi. 'Being the only Emirati from the Arab League makes it even more special. I am excited to compete among the world's best and showcase my skills on this prestigious platform.' Al Marzooqi will compete on his Olympic mount, Enjoy de la Mure (Vigo Cece x Sable Rose), owned by Al Shira'aa Farms. Founded by Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the company has stables in both the UAE and the UK. He will be among 42 qualified athletes from 23 countries vying for the 2025 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup title. A Rising Star Al Marzooqi's qualification marks another milestone in an extraordinary 18-month rise in the sport. His ascent was recognized when he was named the Longines FEI Rising Star, a testament to his talent and determination. Currently ranked 102nd in the Longines world rankings and fifth in the U25 category, he is fast becoming one of the sport's most promising young competitors. His recent achievements include representing the UAE at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he reached the individual final, and securing both an individual silver medal and a team bronze at the 19th Asian Games in 2023. He also won the prestigious FEI Zangersheide Sires of the World in Lanaken last September. Notably, at just 15 years old, he became the first UAE athlete to win a Youth Olympic medal when he clinched silver at the 2018 Games in Buenos Aires. Gratitude for Success Al Marzooqi was quick to acknowledge the unwavering support that has shaped his journey, particularly from UAE leadership and the equestrian community. 'First and foremost, I would like to thank Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative of Al Ain Region, for their dedication to the development of equestrian sport,' he said. 'Special thanks to Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose vision and commitment have been instrumental in raising the standards of show jumping in the UAE.' 'Sheikha Fatima introduced youth categories that gave riders like me the chance to gain experience and compete at a high level. Her support of the UAE International Tour has allowed us to test our skills against some of the best European riders, helping us improve and gain confidence,' he added. Al Marzooqi also expressed his gratitude to his family and mentors. 'My father and family have been my pillars of support throughout my journey, and I owe them everything. I am also incredibly thankful for our Chef d'Equipe, William Funnel, whose leadership and training have played a crucial role in my development.' A Testament to UAE Equestrian Excellence Al Marzooqi's success highlights the impact of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership in elevating UAE equestrian sports. As Chairwoman of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi Ladies Clubs, and Al Shira'aa Farms, Sheikha Fatima has been a driving force behind the nation's equestrian achievements. Her efforts in establishing dedicated youth programs and promoting female participation through the Fatima bint Mubarak Academy (FBMA) have paved the way for Emirati riders to compete at the highest levels. As he prepares for his World Cup Finals debut, Al Marzooqi will return to Paris to compete in the Saut Hermès as part of his final preparations. With a strong support system, an elite horse, and an unwavering determination, the UAE's rising star is ready to take on his biggest challenge yet in Basel 2025.
