Whips, spurs, nosebands, bits and bridles are used by riders around the world, but the line dividing horse abuse from an acceptable form of training and control can seem elusive.
Charlotte Dujardin pulled out of the Olympics – and then was banned from her sport for six months – after she was filmed whipping a horse in training. “What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse,” she said. “I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”
