It is very easy to say this was intentional. Apparently, and I might be wrong, he did not hit her after the wire. That to me is one crucial point. If it was after the wire, it's an easy call. If it wasn't -- then there will be those who feel it was intentional and he is lying, and there will be those who feel it wasn't intentional. And so on.
I am not a jock. Maybe I am naive. My knee jerk reaction would be that a professional can control, and tell the difference between a swat at a shoulder and a swat at the face. I don't know.
Maybe the situation isn't as obvious as initially thought. Maybe it was.
Regardless, he should be punished. It's his responsibility to protect his mount's health, welfare and well being.
Eric
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