An Austrian rider is facing disciplinary action and has been barred from all equestrian competition for three months
THE banning of an Austrian rider after footage of his show jumping round went viral has sparked debate over his punishment.
Austrian federation OEPS took action against Berhard Maier after his round on Paddys Darco in a CSI* show at Wiener Neustadt (8-11 June).
The combination demolished the first fence, followed by others, and were eventually eliminated for a second refusal.
In a statement on Tuesday (13 June), OEPS said it was “a black day for horse sport”. In a second statement later that day, regarding Mr Maier’s “shocking performance”, the federation said the 56-year-old has been banned from all equestrian competition for three months.
“We will make every effort to prevent such incidents from harming our wonderful sport significantly,” the statement read.
“Legal procedures have started and the rider will be put in front of our competent tribunal.”
But questions have been asked as to whether banning someone for sub-standard riding is the appropriate action to take.
This story is from the June 22 2017 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 22 2017 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change