A case against a leading Danish dressage rider’s training techniques has finally been completed by the Danish Equestrian Federation (DRF).
Andreas Helgstrand has been under fire since last April after a social media campaign accused the rider of using abusing his top ride Akeem Foldager.
His national federation stated yesterday (2 February) that the appeal committee ruled that he was guilty of “improper use of bit and bridle.”
Andreas was warned not to repeat the offence within the next two year’s otherwise it will be considered “aggravated circumstance”.
The case was started after pictures of Andreas riding Akeem Foldager at an open day last year (12 April) were released by Danish TV station Epona.tv (pictured).
The pictures showed the horse being ridden in a double bridle with its mouth open, revealing a blue tongue — thought to be caused by a lack of blood supply. There also appeared to be spur marks on the horse’s side.
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‘Blue tongue’ leads to social media outrage
Danish rider has been accused of 'improper use of equipment,' after his horse was pictured with a blue tongue last
The week after the open day (19 April), the DRF sent a vet to his yard to check the horse.
The investigation concluded that Andreas’ use of the double bridle had been “completely unacceptable”.
“The bluish discoloration and reduction in reaction of the right jaw is a clear case of improper use of equipment,” the report stated.
The incident led to several high-profile sponsors dropping Andreas and also meant he was not eligible for selection for last summer’s World Equestrian Games.
At the end of last year (28 November) a court in Aalborg acquitted Andreas of all animal cruelty charges.
”I am very happy about the ruling of the court; it is important for me personally, but also for the sport in general,” Andreas said in a statement afterwards.
“It has been quite tough to have these accusations hovering, but my family and I are now focusing on the future instead.”
Andreas’ father Ulf has served as president of the DRF since 2003.
