A showing producer who appealed two societies’ six-year ban imposed after a video of a horse left in a field tacked up and with a backing dummy on board has been banned for two more years on appeal.
H&H reported last year that societies were investigating Peter Hodgkinson in relation to footage of a horse in a turnout pen, a backing dummy on board and its head strapped to the saddle. Mr Hodgkinson said he takes horse welfare extremely seriously, this is not a method he “would use on horses in general” and that he would like discussion on the situation to be “respectful”.
In a joint statement, Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain and the British Show Horse Association confirmed this week the outcome of “a disciplinary matter and the subsequent appeal process conducted in accordance with the societies’ rules and procedures”.
After a hearing on 10 February, a disciplinary panel upheld charges against the producer and banned him from the societies’ activities for six years. He appealed and the panel was convened to consider this and review the decision, on 8 April.
“After considering the appeal submission, the documentation relating to the case and the representations made during the hearing, the appeal panel determined that the appeal was not upheld,” the statement reads. “The appeal panel further determined that the sanction imposed by the original panel should be increased to an eight-year ban.
“Both societies place the highest importance on animal welfare and are committed to ensuring that all participants uphold the standards required to safeguard the welfare of animals involved in their activities. Disciplinary procedures exist to ensure that welfare concerns are addressed appropriately, fairly, and in accordance with the societies’ rules.”
This is the final stage of the societies’ disciplinary process.
Peter Hodgkinson told H&H he wanted to “address the concerns that have arisen” from the video.
“The horse shown came into my care in difficult circumstances,” he said. “He had been described as dangerous and was at real risk of being euthanised. My decision to take him on was not taken lightly. It was done with the sole intention of trying to give him a chance of a future.
“What the clip shows is not how horses are routinely worked at my yard, and it is not a method I would use on horses in general. The approach taken in this instance was specific to that horse and the risks involved. My approach in all cases is to prioritise safety, both for the horse and for the people working with them.”
Mr Hodgkinson said he “fully understands” why the footage caused concern “when viewed in isolation”.
“It represents only a brief moment and does not show the wider context of the horse’s condition, history, or the broader rehabilitation programme that was in place,” he said. “At all times, my intention was to act in the horse’s best interests and to avoid a far worse outcome.
“The horse has since been successfully rehabilitated while in my care and is now happily living with a new owner.
“I take horse welfare extremely seriously”
“I have spent my career working with horses and take their welfare extremely seriously. I recognise the responsibility that comes with that, and I am taking time to reflect on the concerns that have been raised.
“I also want to acknowledge the wider conversation around welfare. It is important and it matters to everyone involved in equestrian sport. I remain committed to learning, improving where necessary, and ensuring that the standards expected of our industry are upheld.
“Finally, I would ask that any discussion around this situation remains respectful.”
Irish Draught Horse Society (GB) chairman James Noblett told H&H the society will also uphold the ban.
“We fully endorse the statement that’s been put out,” he said.
Peter Hodgkinson ban mirrored
The Coloured Horse and Pony Society (UK) will also mirror the ban; Peter Hodgkinson was on the society’s judging panel but may neither judge nor compete for eight years.
Mr Hodgkinson added: “For completeness, I would also like to note that the RSPCA attended my yard following the concerns raised and carried out an assessment.”
Having reviewed the horses in his care and the conditions at the yard, he claimed, “they confirmed they had no welfare concerns”.
“I was fully cooperative throughout that process, as well as during the Societies’ investigation, providing all information requested and engaging openly at every stage.
A spokesperson for the RSPCA told H&H: “We are unable to discuss complaints about specific people and what action may or may not have been taken, for legal reasons.
“We understand how frustrating that is for animal lovers but releasing information could prejudice a future investigation or could lead to us being fined.
“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare and it is not always appropriate to publicise this information for legal reasons.”
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