US Equestrian conducts overview of controversial coaching clinic

US Equestrian (USEF) is conducting a overview, after considerations have been raised a few coach in a current clinic.

Video of former prime rider Katie Monahan-Prudent giving group gymnastic leaping coaching on 6 January was live-streamed and posted on-line. An edited compilation of a few of her feedback made throughout the teaching was later shared on-line, sparking a lot debate.

Feedback within the compilation included: “I’ve this factor with my stick and I name it ‘smack and again’. When a horse does a disobedience – the explanation now we have the stick is to make use of it appropriately, and horses want it. All these animal rights activists who know nothing about horses. They want a great licking typically.”

A few of Katie’s feedback that within the edited compilation could also be incomplete or not in context embody: “Don’t you dare flip that nook. You crash him into that fence somewhat than letting him flip”, and “I personally could be flipping him over backwards. He wouldn’t dare go round that nook with me.”

She additionally instructed the clinic riders: “You guys – both you don’t hear otherwise you’re birdbrains.”

In her competitors days, Katie was a member of the US staff that gained gold on the 1986 World Championships. She competed at World Cup finals and gained main grands prix throughout the US, and has since been a coach of prime and up-and-coming riders.

In an announcement on 14 January, USEF mentioned: “The protection and wellbeing of each horses and riders are of the utmost precedence to US Equestrian.

“Efficient communication between coach, horse and athlete is important to security and success in equestrian sport. At instances, direct phrases are wanted to get this throughout when teaching; nevertheless, not at all does US Equestrian condone coaching strategies that don’t put hose and rider wellbeing first.

“We’re conscious of considerations concerning the current clinic and are conducting a overview of this matter.”

In addition to important feedback on-line there have been these in help of Katie, together with one rider who had classes from her prior to now, and mentioned: “I by no means as soon as felt as if she would even contemplate placing myself as a younger jumper rider or the stallion I used to be on in jeopardy. Nor did I ever really feel as if her phrases have been abusive throughout my time using together with her.”

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Enthusiastic about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all features of the business, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, through which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals by to worldwide championships.