HORSE Sport Ireland has said it is “extremely concerned” about reports of the alleged circumstances leading to the death of a horse ridden by Irish show jumper Kevin Thornton.

The horse in question is understood to be Flogas Sunset Cruise, a grey stallion listed by the FEI as being jointly owned by Thornton and Vinnie Duffy.

Horse Sport Ireland is in contact with its colleagues in the French equestrian federation to gather information on what happened at the two-star GPA Jump Festival in Cagnes Sur Mer, France, yesterday, Monday, October 10th.

The Horse Sport Ireland statement read: “Horse Sport Ireland, the national governing body for equestrian sport in Ireland, are extremely concerned about reports of the alleged circumstances leading to the death of a horse ridden by Swiss-basedIrish rider Kevin Thornton, at an international show jumping venue in Cagnes-Sur-Mer in France on Monday, October 10th 2016.

“Last night, Horse Sport Ireland was in contact with our colleagues in the French Equestrian Federation, and the rider, to gather information on what happened. We will be continuing with this process today.

CODE OF CONDUCT

“While the show in Cagnes-Sur-Mer is run under the rules of the International Equestrian Governing body, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), any rider who obtains a licence from Horse Sport Ireland is also subject to the Horse Sport Ireland rules and code of conduct.

“Accordingly, it would not be appropriate for Horse Sport Ireland to comment further on the specifics of the case at this time as the matter will be subject to due process under FEI and/or HSI rules.

Horse welfare is a core value of Horse Sport Ireland. The horse is the silent partner in our sport and everyone involved has a responsibility to ensure that the welfare of the horses participating in our sport is never compromised.”

The Irish Field has contacted Kevin Thornton and Vinnie Duffy in relation to the incident.

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