Equestrian Anthony Thomas faces court accused of striking horse with his helmet, will challenge video of alleged incident

A controversial showjumping coach has faced court charged with animal cruelty – but will call video of the alleged incident into question.

Equestrian identity and showjumping coach Anthony Dean Thomas has faced court accused of striking a horse with his helmet - and flagged a challenge to the authenticity of video of the alleged incident.

Mr Thomas, 49, of Paechtown, greeted The Advertiser by asking “how are ya’s today?” as he arrived at the Mount Barker Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

In court, his counsel Jacob van Dissel asked his client’s case be adjourned until next year as he was “seeking further disclosure” of the RSPCA’s case.

Horse trainer Anthony Thomas leaves Mt Barker Courthouse where he is facing animal cruelty charges. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Horse trainer Anthony Thomas is considering having digital forensic expert analyse the footage of the alleged incident. Picture: Brenton Edwards

The Advertiser understands Mr Thomas is considering having a digital forensic expert analyse the footage of the alleged incident, which was taken by a former employee.

It is further understood Mr Thomas will question purported discrepancies between versions of the video, and whether or not it has been digitally altered at any stage.

Previously, the court heard allegations Mr Thomas had accused the former employee of “somehow manipulating” the video before it went public.

Those allegations, together with accusations the woman “has seen” Mr Thomas “outside her house at midnight” and “feels that he is actually stalking her” saw him placed on bail.

Mr Thomas has also informed the RSPCA he will be seeking costs should the prosecution not go ahead.

In May, The Advertiser revealed Mr Thomas had been filmed repeatedly striking a horse, with his helmet, at his Oakside Park Stud facility.

Mr Thomas issued an apology, and was subsequently provisionally suspended by Equestrian Australia – in October, he was formally charged with ill treatment of an animal.

He was also placed on bail after a court heard claims he had been harassing the woman who reported him to the RSPCA.

Mr Thomas is also facing a civil trial, in the Federal Court, on unrelated allegations of sexual harassment.

On Wednesday, Simon Perry, for the RSPCA, said he did not oppose Mr Thomas’ request for an adjournment of the animal cruelty charge.

“Defence counsel is seeking additional information... I can say much of what they’re seeking has already been advanced to them,” he said.

Magistrate Briony Kennewell remanded Mr Thomas on continuing bail to face court again in February.