Top SA equestrian Anthony Thomas takes the stand in sexual harassment case and claims he is ‘not charged’ with animal abuse

A top equestrian facing civil and criminal trials has told a judge he is not facing criminal charges - a day before his first scheduled court date.

A top equestrian has told a court he has not been charged with alleged criminal horse abuse just one day before he is expected to appear in court for the first time.

On Wednesday, top equestrian Anthony Dean Thomas took the stand as the defence case began against allegations Mr Thomas sexually harassed rising star Kate Crauford.

Holly Veale, for Ms Crauford, asked high profile showjumper and business owner Mr Thomas if he had been charged with one count of striking a horse to the head.

Anthony Thomas has taken the stand in the five day trial accusing him of sexually harassing rising star Kate Crauford. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

“I have not been charged,” the 49-year-old said.

Mr Thomas is currently facing Federal Court proceedings alleging he sexually harassed Ms Crauford, 23, over the span of multiple months in 2020 including standing in her doorway wrapped in a loose towel while on a trip to Sydney together.

While on the stand, Ms Veale asked Mr Thomas if he had a “tendency” to say what might “assist” him most in the moment “regardless of if it was truthful”.

He denied the accusation and said he could not remember what happened in Sydney as Ms Veale pointed out different recollections of events found in his defence statement and a separate affidavit.

Mr Thomas said he “did not respect” Ms Crauford’s opinions, and the court heard he described her as “disrespectful, argumentative and self absorbed”.

Ms Crauford was 19 when Mr Thomas allegedly sexually harassed her in 2020 and said he “did not respect her opinion” about the condition of his horse. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Previously during cross examination, Ms Crauford told the court that she had witnessed Mr Thomas allegedly “rapping” his horse – an internationally illegal and abusive practice where the horse is struck on the leg while jumping.

The court previously heard Ms Crauford, who had flown from Florida for the hearing, tried to lodge a complaint with Equestrian SA and Australia, but was told the governing body was powerless to act because her claim was a day too late.

Mr Thomas will return to the stand tomorrow morning – before he is due to attend the Mount Barker court in the afternoon. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Mr Thomas denies all allegations. insisting he always acted appropriately and his messages were “friendly banter”.

On Monday, the RSPCA announced Mr Thomas was due to face court on Thursday for animal cruelty charges after allegedly striking a horse with a riding helmet in a separate incident.

In a statement issue in May, Mr Thomas publicly apologised to the equestrian community after a video surfaced allegedly showing him physically attacking a horse.

He subsequently resigned from Equestrian SA and later Mr Thomas’ lawyer stated he had not issued an apology over the alleged abuse.

It was believed to have been filmed at his 45ha, $3m Oakside Park Stud facility, near Hahndorf, which Mr Thomas is now selling.

The trial before Justice Stephen McDonald continues.

Originally published as Top SA equestrian Anthony Thomas takes the stand in sexual harassment case and claims he is ‘not charged’ with animal abuse