AN OLYMPIC equestrian champion has apologised after a video of him whipping a horse with a branch ten times sparked fury online.

       Sir Mark Todd is seen in the footage repeatedly pounding the grey to make it approach a waterlogged jump as it appears to buckle in pain.

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       A horse was whipped with a branch ten times in a 'vile' video Credit: TikTok 7

       Mark Todd won the first of his two Olympic gold medal in 1984 Credit: Getty 7

       The trainer pounded the animal as it approached a waterlogged jump Credit: TikTok

       The clip, shared on TikTok, shows the horse and rider approach the puddle before they come grinding to a halt.

       Seemingly out of nowhere, the trainer standing behind brandishes a branch and starts whacking the horse's backside.

       The animal suffers ten blows before it finally enters the water and trots to safety to the sound of people cheering.

       Now the double Olympic gold medallist, 65, has issued a grovelling apology after the footage went viral this week.

       He said: "I wholeheartedly apologise to the horse and all involved for my actions in this video clip.

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       "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.

       "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.

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

       The equestrian legend competed at seven Olympic games, taking home two gold medals, and in 2013 won "Rider of the 20th Century".

       In 2019 the Kiwi took out his licence again and now trains race horses from his own Foxhill yard in Wiltshire.

       But now equine and farm supply company Equiwarehouse have said they will no longer stock any of Mark Todd's Merchandise as a result of the viral video.

       The company wrote: "With no regret at all, we will no longer be selling any Mark Todd clothing, horse wear or feed.

       "Mark Todd Eventing you should be utterly ashamed of yourself, vile 'professional' and disgrace of a human."

       Viewers of the video took to social media earlier this week to slam his "vile" behaviour.

       One person commented: "Absolutely heartbreaking to watch. I'm so sorry you both had to go through that."

       Another said: "Humans are the most despicable species on the planet. All involved here should be ashamed.

       "No skill, just intimidation and inflicting pain. Disgusting."

       While a third responded: "Animal abuse. Shame on you."

       And a fourth simply said: "That's evil."

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       The clip sparked outrage on TikTok Credit: TikTok 7

       Users described it as 'disgraceful' behaviour Credit: TikTok 7

       Mark Todd was voted Rider of the Century after a glittering career Credit: Getty Images - Getty 7

       Mark Todd of the New Zealand Olympic Equestrian team poses with his medal after the London 2012 Olympic Games Credit: Getty Images - Getty