Australian Olympic rider Heath Ryan (pictured, top) has been suspended by the FEI and Equestrian Australia, pending investigation, after a video surfaced of him repeatedly whipping a horse. Heath, 67, said that the “most awful video” was taken two years ago, of a six-year-old called Nico, a “beautiful type” who was “dropped off at my place on his way to the knackery”. He described the situation as “part of a rescue mission”. The FEI and Equestrian Australia are investigating.
Much-loved community riding school Park Palace Ponies is facing ‘imminent closure’ unless it can raise £300,000 to secure its long-term future by 28 June. The Liverpool-based riding school recently raised £4,000, which was enough to cover liability insurance and secure a council riding school licence. But more is needed for its survival, and the remaining staff have received redundancy notices. “We understand people are tired, and that fundraising fatigue is real,” said trustee Karen Scott. “But we’re asking – one final time – for support. This is about more than horses. This is about saving a community space that brings joy, purpose and unity.”
Badminton and Burghley winner Piggy March shares her thoughts on Harry Meade’s achievements, Defender Bramham’s new designer, and competition for British selection for the Europeans, in her exclusive H&H column this week. “Well done to Harry Meade for making it to world number one,” says Piggy. “Harry has grafted, like everyone does in eventing, for many years and had his fair share of knocks that could have finished his career, but he has plugged on through.”
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
