Ridehesten reported that the DRF Appeal Committee has given Andreas Helgstrand an additional suspension for his involvement in the Carina Cassoe Kruth whipping video.
(Editor's note: one day after publication, Ridehesten removed its article due to social media backlash and by the end of the day reposted it, without social media links)
Appeals Committee
The Appeal Committee of the Danish Equestrian Federation (DRF) includes Henrik Tofte Olesen, Pernille Norskov, William Kanta and Lars Langhoff. The two remaining members, Carsten Lorentzen and Hanni Toosbuy, declared themselves incompetent because of their personal connection to Helgstrand.
Helgstrand was identified as the voice in the video. He confirmed his role as the trainer on the ground, but argued that the comment that can be heard - "give it a proper one" - should not be understood as excessive use of the whip, but as a call for a quick and consistent correction. He takes no responsibility for the rider's reaction.
Ridehesten reported that the appeals committee believes that Andreas Helgstrand has violated the association's joint regulations point 16 and the ethical guidelines. The committee said that the DRF's regulations and ethical guidelines are valid and must be observed, even if it is a matter of private training.
The committee has given him an additional suspension of three months from DRF activities, effective 3 October 2024. This means that he can compete again as of 3 January 2025. He has also been fined DKK 5,000. The full appeals committee documents can be read here.
As a result of Operation X, Helgstrand was already excluded from national team activities until 1 January 2025. His company Helgstrand Event is also not allowed to run competitions during this period. In 2025, the CDIO Uggerhalne is back on the FEI calendar for June.
Kruth Video
The whipping video was sent to the DRF on Sunday evening 7 July, the evening before the Olympic nomination deadline. It led to Nadja Aaboe Sloth being nominated as Olympic team reserve instead of Kruth with Heiline's Danciera, the horse in the video.
On 1 August the DRF disciplinary committee ruled that the rider had broken the applicable rules when she used a whip against her horse. Based on her clean record, the 2.5 year old date of the video, and the lack of motivation from the person who supplied the video, the disciplinary committee fined her 670 euro and gave no suspension.
The social backlash to the fine was enormous and the news got picked up various mainstream newspapers. On 9 August the video was leaked to the Danish publication Nordjyske and it led to more outrage.
On 14 August the DRF announced that "the board of directors has made a decision to exclude Carina Cassøe Krüth from the DRF's squad and the national team in dressage."
Kruth is appealing her 8-month suspension.
Related Links
Danish Equestrian Federation Excludes Helgstrand from National Team and Team Activities
Carina Cassoe Kruth Appeals DRF's Eight Month Suspension