Isabel Hurley

AN FEI investigation is continuing this weekend into all the circumstances surrounding disturbing footage of an incident in the warm-up ring at Gothenburg’s World Cup Finals involving top French rider Penelope Leprevost.

Video clips, which caused a storm 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 who finished into the final’s top 10.

An FEI spokesperson told The Irish Field yesterday: “There is no update yet on the investigation which is ongoing.”

At the time of the Gothenburg incident, FEI officials on duty at the warm-up area reported it to the FEI Chief Steward and the horse was subsequently checked out to the satisfaction of FEI veterinary officials.

Following the social media outcry, Leprevost expressed her sincere regret and apologies for the incident via her Facebook page. Leprevost, who is the leading lady rider in the world, said she only wanted to “wake up’’ her horse after the stumbling which she described as “frightening”.

Earlier this week, the FEI confirmed that an official investigation was under way.

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.”

LEPREVOST STATEMENT

In a statement on her official Facebook page on Wednesday, Leprevost said: “People have been upset by images broadcast via social networks of my horse Vagabond De La Pomme, who nearly fell during the warm-up before the World Cup Final in Gothenburg. My horse was trotting very relaxed and with his head down when he stumbled.

“It was actually quite frightening and I really thought the both of us were going to fall down. I immediately checked he was not injured. I then wanted him to pull himself together. My goal was to wake him up but not to push him too hard.

“The French team’s vet also checked that he was fine and had no problems. I am deeply sorry that I over-reacted and was too strong with my horse and I want to express my sincere apologies. I place great importance on the trust and co-operation between myself and my horses. I also have the greatest respect for their state of mind and their physical well-being.”