TOP French rider Penelope Leprevost is at the centre of an FEI investigation after disturbing footage of an incident in the warm-up ring at Gothenburg's World Cup Finals caused a storm on social media.

Video clips in circulation on social media showed Leprevost warming up Vagabond de la Pomme during Monday’s concluding rounds, when the stallion stumbled very badly, hitting the sand with his nose, prompting what appeared to be rough riding in response from the rider.

FEI officials on duty at the warm-up area reported the incident to the FEI Chief Stewart and the horse was checked out to the satisfaction of FEI veterinary officials.

Leprevost has since expressed her sincere regret and apologies for the incident, click here to read her statement.

This afternoon, an FEI spokesperson confirmed to The Irish Field that an official investigation is underway into the incident.

The FEI statement said: "The FEI is looking into the full circumstances of the incident in which the French horse Vagabond de la Pomme stumbled very badly prior to the first round of Monday’s competition and the rider, Penelope Leprevost, reacted very roughly. The FEI Steward on duty in the warm-up reported the incident to the FEI and also to the FEI Chief Steward.

“The French team vet Jérôme Thévenot also saw the horse stumbling, but felt that the horse was fine to go into the arena. Vagabond de la Pomme was clear in the first round, and was given a thorough check over in the stables afterwards by Jérôme Thévenot, who reported that the horse was perfectly fine.

"Horse welfare is central to everything the FEI does, and is also a priority for both the Swedish National Federation and the organising committee of the Gothenburg Horse Show. The FEI’s Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse is in place to ensure that horse welfare is protected at all FEI events."

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