Falsterbo Applies Stricter Welfare Checks

Dressage

Sweden

The Falsterbo International Horse Show made an extra effort this year to apply the horse welfare rules in a stricter way by doing checks before and after the test.

Danish 2022 World Champion Carina Cassoe Kruth was sent home with her horse Svalegards Hot Driver.

National and International Horses Inspected

In previous years, only the CDI dressage horses had a vet inspection before the start. This year, for the first time, also the horses and ponies in the national classes, including the highly popular young dressage horse classes, were inspected.

Ridsport wrote that "the new routine for the national classes is something that goes beyond what is required according to the regulations.

"We have done this to be able to secure the welfare of the horses," said head judge Daniel Carlsson. "Some were still a little surprised."

Cassoe Kruth Sent Home

It hasn't been a good week for Carina Cassoe Kruth, who lost her reserve spot on the Danish Olympic team after a controversial training video (taken in February 2022) made its way to the Danish Equestrian Federation right before the team nomination deadline. Kruth is under investigation and has been reported to the Danish Riding Association's disciplinary committee.

Around that time Kruth was in Falsterbo with her young stallion Svalegårds Hot Driver (by Hesselhøjs Donkey Boy x Hotline), but according to Ridsport was halted at the vet inspection. The rider was sent home.

On Instagram Stories, Kruth wrote that "unfortunately Driver had a very little scratch by his mouth and therefore he cannot compete today. He was fine from home so we are of course very sad we have to go home already."

Thorough Checks

Ridsport wrote that stewards in Falsterbo checked the horses and their tack before they entered the arena and after their test.

They inspected in particular the tightness of the nosebands, as well as whether there were wounds in the corners of the mouth or in the spur area.

All jumping horses, both in the national and international classes, were inspected this year as in previous years.

Falsterbo Applies Stricter Welfare Checks - Cassoe Kruth Sent Home

National and International Horses Inspected

Cassoe Kruth Sent Home

Thorough Checks