An 18-month suspension for Heath Ryan
- 29 août
- 2 min de lecture
A little over a year after footage circulated widely on social media showing Australian rider Heath Ryan whipping one of his former mounts 42 times in 30 seconds, and following an investigation it conducted, the FEI has handed Heath Ryan an 18-month suspension.
At 68, Heath Ryan is a well-known figure in equestrian sports, having competed in the World Equestrian Games in 1990 and 2002, the 2008 Olympic Games, and the 2009 World Cup Final; yet, despite this impressive track record, he received last year intense criticism following the circulation on social media of a compromising video, footage he subsequently attempted to explain.
"The scenes depicted are deeply disturbing and run completely counter to the FEI’s core values regarding horse welfare," FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez stated last year, adding, "The FEI has launched an investigation to thoroughly examine all the facts and determine the appropriate disciplinary sanctions in accordance with its regulations. We are committed to ensuring that any behavior endangering horse welfare is dealt with firmly and fairly." This investigation is supported by the Australian Federation; speaking in 2025, Sam Jones remarked, "It is both appropriate and welcome for the FEI to investigate this matter. The Australian Federation remains extremely concerned about the incident and the allegations, and we will support the FEI in every way possible. We know our community is awaiting answers, but we ask for your patience as the FEI rightly follows a rigorous and fair process, in line with its policies and procedures."
At the conclusion of the proceedings, Heath Ryan was handed an 18-month suspension, calculated from the start of his provisional suspension on June 12, 2025; it will therefore end on December 12 of this year. He was also ordered to pay a fine of 3,000 Swiss francs and a contribution of 3,000 Swiss francs toward the FEI’s legal costs.
Decision available for review HERE
