Dressage faces make-or-break moment after video shows Olympian abusing horse
USA TodayJul 21
Second Olympics Rider Accused of Striking Horse
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Above: Max Kühner at the award ceremony during the Global Jumping at Longines Global Champions Tour at Sommergarten, Messe Berlin on July 24, 2021 in Berlin, Germany. Image copyright: Gina Wetzler/Contributor/Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
The Facts
The world's third-best show jumper, Max Kühner of Austria, has been subject to criminal proceedings in Germany for allegedly striking a horse's legs with a bar.
According to the Starnberg District Court, the Munich II public prosecutor's office had requested a penalty order against the German-born rider in March.
The Spin
Narrative A
As the Paris Games kick off, scandals of such magnitude further underscore the need for all equestrian events to be ditched from the Olympics. It's utterly unacceptable that the International Olympic Committee still allows horses to be abused and forced to participate in these competitions.
Narrative B
Allegations against Kühner and Dujardin are undoubtedly shocking, particularly due to their stature, but there's no reason to tarnish the entire sport's credibility. The equestrian community ensures that horses are treated with kindness and respect, with their welfare as the highest priority.
