Anthony Thomas provisionally stood down pending animal abuse investigation

Equestrian Australia has taken temporary action against a high-profile South Australian horse trainer but critics argue it doesn’t go far enough. WARNING: Disturbing video content

A high-profile South Australian horse trainer has been suspended pending an investigation into animal abuse at a stable, it can be revealed.

Equestrian Australia has provisionally suspended Anthony Dean Thomas just days after footage emerged of him allegedly striking a horse with a helmet.

The registered trainer, 49, is a member of Equestrian South Australia which is a member of Equestrian Australia, the leading organisation for the sport in the country.

An EA spokesman confirmed Mr Thomas – who publicly apologised and said he was “taking time away” from the sport – remained under investigation.

Graphic footage shows a horse trainer, Anthony Dean Thomas, 49, violently hitting the animal. Picture: Supplied

The grainy footage, leaked to The Advertiser last week, shows him in an Adelaide Hills training arena appearing, to unleash a savage attack on the unnamed showjumping horse. Picture: Supplied

“(He) has been provisionally suspended pending the outcomes of various investigations including from external bodies,” the spokesman said.

That is understood to include the RSPCA.

The spokesman said EA would consider what, if any, further action should be taken once the other investigations were completed.

The spokesman declined to comment further on the matter so as to not impede the processes of the other probes into the incident.

However, EA has come under fire for what followers and members described as a double standard, highlighting the action taken against Olympian Shane Rose who was temporarily stood down for competing in a mankini – Rose was later cleared of any wrongdoing.

The EA considers the two incidents “entirely different” because, it is understood, the issues are governed under different rules and regulations of the organisation.

The peak body for equestrian in the country on Friday issued a three-line statement when first contacted by The Advertiser.

“Equestrian Australia is aware of vision of horse abuse allegedly involving an Equestrian Australia member,” the statement read.

“EA has a zero tolerance approach in relation to animal cruelty.

“Reports have been made to the relevant authorities, including the RSPCA and we will take action as appropriate.”

However, the organisation’s followers on its official Facebook page highlighted what they felt was a discrepancy between action taken against Mr Thomas to that of Olympic equestrian Shane Rose.

“Seems like a mankini gets … more than alleged abuse,” one said.

Another wrote: “Perhaps you would like to tell the membership what the appropriate action is that EA intends to take, instead of motherhood statements …

“This statement is an embarrassment, any other organisation would have the person/member stood down until the matter is dealt with.....come on EA, show some real teeth if you are real about horse welfare.”

Thomas competed in the World Cup showjumping qualifier while injured in 2003. Picture: Supplied

Mr Thomas publicly apologised to the equestrian community saying he would take some time away from the sport. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Another person wrote: “It would be a bit of a farce if you stood someone down for wearing a mankini yet you let an alleged horse abuser continue on their merry way.”

Mr Rose was stood down for wearing a mankini costume during a dressage event in February.

A complaint was registered with Equestrian Australia (EA) and Sports Integrity Australia after Rose took part in the fancy dress event at the Wallaby Hill Extravaganza in the Southern Highlands on February 11.

Mr Rose was stood down for wearing a mankini costume during a dressage event in February. Picture: Instagram

Mr Thomas on Friday, via his lawyer, publicly apologised to the equestrian community.

“I’ve acknowledged that I have allowed a culmination of many traumatic events over the past six months to affect my mental health and interfere with my behaviour.

“I’m seeking assistance and support to ensure this will never happen again.

“I’m sincerely sorry, and saddened, to have allowed this to have occurred as I’ve always had only love for all animals.

“Under professional advice, I will be taking time away in order to achieve the reset that I need.

“I will not be making any further comment until my mental health issues are resolved.”

Originally published as Anthony Thomas provisionally stood down pending animal abuse investigation