Footage shared on social media platform TikTok shows the two-time Olympic champion whipping the animal. In the video, a man identified as Sir Mark is seen striking the horse ten times over the legs after stopping in front of a water obstacle. The video is believed to be two years old and only recently resurfaced on the platform.
The footage shows the horse jumping from side to side but refusing to go forward through the obstacle.
A man donning black clothes is then seen approaching with a branch and hitting the anima, the video shows.
As the horse proceeds to cross through the water obstacle, people can be heard cheering.
The caption accompanying the video read: “After seeing the full video anyone is still indecisive over there stance on this, IT IS abusive and IT IS unacceptable.”
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In a statement to Express.co.uk, Sir Mark said: “I wholeheartedly apologise to the horse and all involved for my actions in this video clip.
“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.”
He added: “I am very disappointed in myself that I did not adhere to that in this case.”
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The footage shows the horse jumping from side to side but refusing to go forward through the obstacle.
A man donning black clothes is then seen approaching with a branch and hitting the anima, the video shows.
As the horse proceeds to cross through the water obstacle, people can be heard cheering.
The caption accompanying the video read: “After seeing the full video anyone is still indecisive over there stance on this, IT IS abusive and IT IS unacceptable.”
The company wrote on its Facebook page: “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.”
Poster Chloe said she was “scared of backlash” when asked whether she had reported the video to the Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).
Sir Mark is an esteemed ride who began his 22-year career as an event and show jumping rider after being forced to shelve his dreams of becoming a jockey for being too talk,
He won two gold Olympic medals at the Los Angeles and the Seoul Games, as well as secured the top spot at the World Championships in 1990 and 1998.
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