GALWAY international showjumper Andrew Bourns described his four-month suspension, issued by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) for “excessively whipping” a horse, as “penal” and “most unfair’’ given the particular circumstances.

Bourns, who has never incurred a sanction like this before, said he acted out of concern for public safety. The Galway native said that his family knew only too well the very serious consequences of what can happen when horses get out of control.