Olympic champion Sir Mark Todd apologises after video of him whipping a horse TEN times with a branch sparks fury online
AN OLYMPIC champion has apologised after a video of him whipping a horse with a branch ten times sparked fury online.
The animal appears to buckle in pain as it’s repeatedly pounded with the stick in front of a waterlogged jump by Sir Mark Todd.
The clip, shared on TikTok, shows a horse and the New Zealand horseman, 65, approach the puddle before they come grinding to a halt.
Seemingly out of nowhere, the trainer brandishes a branch and starts whacking the horse’s behind.
The animal suffers ten blows before it finally enters the water and trots to safety to the sound of people cheering.
Now Sir Mark has issued a grovelling apology after the footage went viral this week.
He said: “I wholeheartedly apologise to the horse and all involved for my actions in this video clip.
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“One of the main things I preach is about establishing a mutual respect between horse and rider and that patience and kindness is the best way to get results.
“I believe this is one of the main attributes along with a great empathy with animals that has enabled me to have a long and successful career in Eventing.
“I am very disappointed in myself that I did not adhere to that in this case.”
The equestrian legend competed at seven Olympic games taking home two gold medals and in 2013 won ‘Rider of the 20th Century.
In 2019 the Kiwi took out his licence again and now trains from his own Foxhill yard just outside Lambourn.
But now equine and farm supply company Equiwarehouse have said they will no longer stock any of Mark Todd’s Merchandise as a result of the viral video.
The company wrote: “With no regret at all, we will no longer be selling any Mark Todd clothing, horse wear or feed.
“Mark Todd Eventing you should be utterly ashamed of yourself, vile ‘professional’ and disgrace of a human.”
Viewers of the video took to social media earlier this week to slam his “vile” behaviour.
One person commented: “Absolutely heartbreaking to watch. I’m so sorry you both had to go through that.”
Another said: “Humans are the most despicable species on the planet. All involved here should be ashamed.
“No skill, just intimidation and inflicting pain. Disgusting.”
While a third responded: “Animal abuse. Shame on you.”
And a fourth simply said: “That’s evil.”