Saudi-Arabia's Abdullah Alsharbatly has released a statement after his 30 day suspension, triggered utomatically upon the second Jumping Recorded Warning. "First I want to clarify that I respect the importance of rules that protect horse welfare in our sport," Alsharbatly says.
"The horse concerned has a particular natural jumping style: he tends to cross his legs during jumping. It was in that context, and in that context alone, that the incidents - that the pastern strap that was there to protect my horse from injuries lead to the two Jumping Recorded Warnings arose. There was no intent on my part to cause harm or discomfort of any kind - in reality the opposite- it was there to protect him."
"My horses are not just athletes, they’re my companions, and their health, welfare and happiness will always be my absolute priority... I want to thank all the people who reached out with kindness, understanding and support." The rider concludes.
