By Therese Alhaug. Photo Therese Alhaug.
A video of Pénélope Leprevost while warming up for the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping final in Gothenburg Horse Show this weekend, has sparked debate online.
Footage and a video recorded from the showjumping collecting ring has been widely shared online, with comments condemning the rider for her reaction after her horse stumbled by accident.
The film shows Vagabond de la Pomme stumble while working in trot on a long rein. He then falls onto his knees with his nose touching the ground but staggers back to his feet. Penelope stops the horse and leans to her right, seemingly checking her horse for injuries. Apparently finding none, she kicks the horse forward before bringing him to a sharp halt.
The incident was caught on camera and broadcast over the FEItv live stream during Round III of the World Cup Jumping Final on Monday, March 28th.
The FEI is looking into the full circumstances of the incident.
FEI comments:
“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.”
Penelopes statement:
Today Penelope issued a statement via her official Facebook page:
“In the wake of images that have been broadcast on the social networks of my horse, Vagabond De Le Pomme, who almost fell during the warmup of the final of the world cup in Gothenburg.
My horse tripped in the paddock while he was at a slow trot and very relaxed. It scared me and I really thought we were both down. I immediately checked that he was not injured. I then wanted him together, my goal was to awaken him and not rush. The Veterinarian of the French team was present and also verified that the horse had no problems.
I am deeply sorry I overreacted by being too harsh with my horse and I address my apologies to the public.
I attach great importance to have with my horses a close complicity, and a great respect for their physical and mental well-being.”
Leprevost went on to jump one clear, and one four fault round, finishing 8th overall in the World Cup Finals.