This week, some media published that the Irish showjumper Kevin Thornton was convicted to a one year suspended prison sentence because of animal abuse. The cause was an incident that occurred during an international show in Cagnes-sur-Mer in 2016. The FEI accused Thornton of horse abuse, leading to a four month suspension. We have contacted Thornton to hear his side of the story.
“I’m very sad to relive this moment again”, he states. “Four years ago I was unfairly portrayed in the media after one of my best horses, Flogas, passed away and now the vilification is starting again”. Thornton states that he was not contacted by the court, French authorities or any of the Animal Rights Associations mentioned in the media: “From my understanding a group of Animal Rights Associations have brought a case to court in light of the FEI ruling that occurred in 2016/2017. My lawyer or me were never contacted or summoned about this matter. The first time I heard about it was actually on social media”, he continues. “I didn’t get the chance to defend myself in the media or in court. I’m very disappointed in these Animal Rights Associations who have the potential to use their resources to create a positive change in the world but instead take actions that could potentially harm someone without having the decency to have spoken to such person before. People who know me, know that my horses always come first. I would do everything to keep my horses happy and healthy. I did not go to court or wasn’t asked to do so.
”He also told us what happened four years ago: “There was no physical evidence: no sweat marks, no skin lesions, no inflammation and no spur marks. My suspension from the FEI was based on a few incoinsistent witness statements. Moreover, the FEI report also states they are not claiming that I had any potential responsibility for the death of Flogas. The vets found no proof either. I honestly think the FEI wanted to make an example since my case had already attracted so much media attention. At that time, I had already spent over CHF50’000 and was financially unable to support any appeal, so I had no choice than to settle for the arrangement the FEI gave me. Not because I was guilty, but because it was the only way”.
