5-time Olympic-medal-winning equestrian loses his training license after video showed him repeatedly hitting a horse

• Olympian great Mark Todd has lost his training license after a video of him hitting a horse appeared on social media.
• The British Horseracing Authority suspended the equestrian while they investigate.

Mark Todd, the five-time Olympic medal-winning equestrian, has temporarily lost his training license after a video of him hitting a horse was shared on social media.

The video, which surfaced on social media this weekend, reportedly shows Todd repeatedly hitting a horse that would not jump into the water in a 2020 training clinic, the Associated Press reported.

Todd admitted he was the person in the video and apologized for his actions, along with agreeing to the interim suspension, according to the BHA statement.

"One of the main things I preach is about establishing a mutual respect between horse and rider and that patience and kindness is the best way to get results," Todd said in his own statement, according to the AP.

"I believe this is one of the main attributes along with a great empathy with animals that has enabled me to have a long and successful career in eventing," he said.

He continued: "I am very disappointed in myself that I did not adhere to that in this case."

The British Horseracing Authority imposed an interim suspension on Todd's training license while they investigate the incident. This means Todd will not be allowed to race horses in Britain or internationally.

Todd is a two-time Olympic champion who also won bronze medals in three other Olympic Games.

This story is developing. Please check back for updates.