James Smith: Showjumping competitor suspended over horse welfare concerns

A Scottish show jumping athlete has been suspended after being accused of using illegal training methods at a European event.

James Smith has been banned from competing nationally and internationally after being accused of jumping a horse that was allegedly “knocked”.

Welfare concerns have reportedly been raised after photos taken in Valencia, Spain, appeared to show crutches being used to get horses to lift their legs higher while practicing jumps.

British Jumping’s governing body said: “The training methods depicted in the images have no place in our sport, breach our regulations and will not be tolerated.”

Mr Smith, from Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, was suspended on Saturday and appears to have deleted his social media accounts.

The 31-year-old’s groom Nicola Park has also been banned from renewing her British Jumping membership during the investigation.

“Tapping” or “leveraging” is the practice of hitting a horse’s legs as he jumps over an obstacle to cause him to lift his legs higher the next time.

The painful method is prohibited by International Equestrian Federation (FEI) regulations and the photos were allegedly taken at a recent event.

British Jumping said it was liaising with the British Equestrian Federation and the International Equestrian Federation.

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The International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the sport’s international governing body, has also temporarily suspended Mr Smith while the investigation continues.

The ban prohibits Mr Smith from participating in any FEI or national events, competing or training athletes or horses until further notice, while an investigation into the alleged images and circumstances of the reported incident is ongoing.

British Jumping added in a statement: “Horse welfare is a top priority for British Jumping, the BEF and the FEI and we will continue to work closely to ensure that our rules and regulations regarding the welfare and welfare of horses are respected and enforced. “

The FEI has been contacted for comment.