Dalumgaard Riding Club Ends Collaboration with Jon D Pedersen after Alleged Abuse Video

Dressage

Denmark

Ridehesten reported that Dalumgaard Riding Club has ended its collaboration with trainer Jon D. Pedersen effective immediately.

The decision comes in the wake of the publication of information, pictures and videos by TV 2 Fyn showing conditions at the riding club not in line with animal welfare policies. A video allegedly shows Pedersen whipping horses. The publication of this video has led to a police investigation.

Danish NF Issues Statement

The Danish equestrian federation issued a statement on 24 May 2026:

Horse welfare is a crucial foundation in equestrian sport. The actions and treatment of horses that appear in the material are, in the opinion of the Danish Equestrian Federation, completely unacceptable and in no way compatible with the federation's values, ethical guidelines or fundamental view of horse welfare.

The Danish Riding Federation and the Danish Riding Instructors Association have discussed the matter and share the same serious assessment of the circumstances that appear from the material.

The Danish Riding Federation is in dialogue with the riding club's board and is participating in a closer investigation of the circumstances described in TV 2 Fyn's report. At the same time, the Danish Riding Federation's Disciplinary Committee has announced that the committee will take up the matter on its own initiative with a view to an independent handling of the matter.

The Danish Equestrian Federation expects that all clubs, officials, trainers and riders under the federation treat horses responsibly, respectfully and in full compliance with both applicable rules and fundamental principles of horse welfare at all times.

Measures at Dalumgaard

The Dalumgaard riding club stated, "This is a deeply unfortunate situation for the club, its members, employees and partners. The board takes the matter very seriously and emphasizes that everything that happens at Dalumgaard Rideklub must be fully compatible with the Danish Equestrian Federation's values, ethical guidelines and basic principles for horse welfare."

The club added, "The board is also implementing a number of concrete measures. All of the riding school's student horses will be examined by an independent veterinarian to ensure that the horses are healthy and fit, and that the club's horse team meets the highest standards of horse welfare and responsible operation."

Jon D Pedersen stated, "I deeply regret the situations and the training that appear in the videos. I understand that the images arouse strong reactions, and I am sincerely sorry for the strain that the case has placed on both the horses, the club, the members and equestrian sport in general. I accept the board's decision and do not want to create further unrest around Dalumgaard Rideklub."

Jon D Pedersen

Pedersen is a former Danish team rider. He competed at the 1989 and 1995 European Championships on Bravo and Nygaards Aspekt, he rode at the 1990 World Equestrian Games on Bravo. His career defining horse was Esprit de Valdemar, with whom was member of the Danish team that competed at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games and 1998 and 2002 World Equestrian Games. He won team bronze at the 2001 European Championships.

From 2006 till 2013 he was Danish team trainer for the youth and U25 riders. In 2021 he also worked at Blue Hors stud as a trainer alongside his trainer's job at Dalumgaard, where he led the daily management for almost forty years.