Niamh Spence
Another Olympic star is facing allegations of animal abuse, just days after Charlotte Dujardin was forced to withdraw from the Paris games.
The fresh set of allegations comes after former Team GB dressage star Dujardin was forced to pull out of the 2024 games in Paris after an extremely disturbing video of her abusing a horse was released by a whistleblower.
The 39-year-old, who would have been taking part in equestrian events this weekend, said she made 'an error of judgement' during a coaching session four years ago.
Now a second Olympic equestrian is the subject of allegations of animal cruelty.
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Austrian rider Max Kuhner has been forced to deny allegations of abuse from an incident in May 2023.
The allegations claim that Kuhner has used a training method called 'barring' that is prohibited, as it uses a wooden or metal bar on top of an obstacle which then hits the horse's legs as it jumps and forces it to pull them higher.
In response to the allegations, Kuhner has denied any wrongdoing.
In a statement to the APA, Kuhner said: "These are accusations that have no basis whatsoever.
"In contrast, we can prove through official veterinary certificates, experts and many witnesses that our horses have always been and are doing well.
"Animal welfare is our top priority and our entire operation is geared towards this around the clock."
The Austrian Equestrian Federation (OEPS) also shared their support for Kuhner.
They shared a statement, which said: "The OEPS can confirm, based on all observations during the years of working with Max Kuhner, that the keeping, training and presentation of his horses is of the highest quality.
"Due to his impeccable attitude towards his horse as a sports partner, there is no reason whatsoever to assume that he uses methods in training that are contrary to animal welfare, or has used them in the past."
Elisabeth Max-Theurer, the vice president of the Austrian Olympic Committee and OEPS president, has also spoken out.
She said: "It is clear that an investigation is necessary.
"In Max’s case, the situation is unclear and we have to wait to see whether a hearing takes place."
She also added: "This was deliberately spread and done quite deliberately. Perhaps it is also because people are jealous of Max because he is number three in the world and has an absolute chance of winning a medal."