Kiwi equestrian great Sir Mark Todd has received a four-month ban from training horses, after a video showed him hitting a horse with a tree branch.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has deemed Sir Mark acted in a manner prejudicial to racing's reputation in the incident, which occurred during a cross-country schooling session in 2020.
But Todd, 66, can resume training immediately, after already serving a two-month interim suspension, with the remaining two months of his ban suspended.
The video emerged on social media in January and the dual Olympic champion was widely criticised, particularly by animal rights groups.
Sir Mark can be seen striking the horse nine times with part of a branch, as he tried to coax it towards a water jump.
"In the view of the panel, the actions of Sir Mark could not be condoned in any form," said Brian Barker QC, chair of the independent panel of the BHA that heard the case.
While noting Todd's apology after the footage came to light, Barker said "his prominence and achievements have set a high bar".
He added that the "use of a light branch, rather than a cushioned whip, was not appropriate".
Todd is considered one of New Zealand's greatest Olympians, representing the country at eight Olympic Games, winning five medals. He won individual gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and again at the 1988 Seoul Games, both riding horse Charisma.
"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," Sir Mark said after the video emerged.
"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."
