PETA Turns its Focus on Show Jumping

German show jumper Kevin Lemke is in hot water after PETA got hold of a video of him striking his mount Good Luck at DIHP.

An incident where a horse was struck repeatedly with a whip in the ring at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California, has prompted the organization People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to contact both the FEI and USEF, demanding disciplinary action.

Video footage shows Good Luck, ridden by Kevin Lemke, a professional from Nauheim, Germany, living in San Juan Capistrano, being sharply hit with the crop following a refusal during a January 30th a $25,000 Open Classic, resulting in the rider’s elimination and a warning. Good Luck is owned by Morad Al Masri of Simi Valley, CA.

On Feb. 25th , PETA contacted Tom O’Mara, president of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and FEI president Ingmar De Vos, insisting there be an investigation into the incident and that Lemke’s eligibility to compete be revoked. PETA has also sent a letter to the Riverside County sheriff’s department, saying Lemke violated a California penal code which prohibits cruelty to animals.

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