Hampton Classic Equestrian Appears To Kick At Horse's Stomach: Video

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY — An equestrian appears to have tried to kick her horse in the stomach during the Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton earlier this month, reports say.

According to a post in The Chronicle of the Horse, the video depicts the equestrian falling off her horse after a jump and then kicking at the horse's stomach.

That Chronicle post identified the horse as Joe Cool — and rider "as Jazz Johnson-Merton competing in the 3’3″ amateur-owner hunter, 36 and over, division at the Hampton Classic on Friday, Sept. 1."

"US Equestrian is aware of the incident with Ms. Johnson Merton at the Hampton Classic and we have received the official steward’s report," Julian McPeak, director of marketing and communications at US Equestrian, told Patch. "We are currently in the process of reviewing the report at this time."

According to a brochure from the United States Equestrian Federation, "Protecting the Sport: Guide to Federation Rule Enforcement and Hearing Process," when the Federation receives a report of an alleged rule violation, "an investigation is initiated by the Regulations Department. Initially, the Regulations Department will send an inquiry letter to the person who allegedly violated the rule to gather information and provide them with an opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the complaint."

A report in the Daily Mail said that Johnson-Merton is the heiress to the wealthy Johnson & Johnson family.

The Chronicle post quoted Chris Wynne, who was in the judge's booth during the alleged incident: "She got up, lost her temper and tried to kick the horse in the stomach. I'm not sure she made contact. . . " the post said. "It was one of those gray areas of, was it unsportsmanlike? Absolutely. Did it really hurt the horse? Probably not."

Also according to the Chronicle — in the steward's report by the Hampton Classic, found here — answers to the questions, “Were there any instances of equine cruelty or abuse reported or made known to you?” and “Were any USEF yellow warning cards issued?” were both no.

Classic Communications, which handled media relations for the Hampton Classic, said Thursday that Marty Bauman, who could speak to the incident, was unavailable due to the religious holiday.

Jazz Johnson Merton could not immediately be reached for comment.

Photo of Jazz Johnson Merton and Ahaveros at the 2016 Hampton Classic courtesy of Shawn McMillen.

Video courtesy of YouTube.