Horse Sport Ireland, the national governing body for equestrian sport in Ireland, has today released a statement saying that they are "extremely concerned about reports of the alleged circumstances leading to the death of a horse ridden by Swiss-based Irish rider Kevin Thornton, at an International Show Jumping venue in Cagnes-Sur-Mer in France on Monday October 10th 2016."

Horse Sport Ireland has been in contact with their colleagues at the French Equestrian Federation, as well as the rider, to gather information on what has happened. This process will continue today.

Furthermore, the statement reads:

"While the show in Cagnes-Sur-Mer is run under the rules of the International Equestrian Governing body, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), any rider who obtains a licence from Horse Sport Ireland is also subject to the Horse Sport Ireland rules and code of conduct. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate for Horse Sport Ireland to comment further on the specifics of the case at this time as the matter will be subject to due process under FEI and/or HSI rules.

Horse Welfare is a core value of Horse Sport Ireland. The horse is the silent partner in our sport and everyone involved has a responsibility to ensure that the welfare of the horses participating in our sport is never compromised."

Source: Press release from Horse Sport Ireland