The British Horseracing Authority is continuing an investigation into Mark Todd after video footage emerged of him hitting a horse with a tree branch.
The two-time Olympic three-day eventing champion, who has been training horses since 2019 and had 13 winners from 80 runners last year, apologised for his actions in the clip which is believed to date back to 2020.
He 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 am very disappointed I did not adhere to that in this case.”
In response to the footage, a BHA spokesman said: “His behaviour… fell a long way short of the standards of care we expect of licensed individuals and that we know is provided to the overwhelming majority of horses in training in Britain every day.
“The BHA is looking into the incident.”
