An Adelaide Hills equestrian has been found guilty of animal cruelty after confronting footage showed him repeatedly belting a horse across the head with his riding helmet.
Former Peachtown resident and world cup showjumper Anthony Thomas was filmed by a groom at his now‑sold Oakside Park horse stud.
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The video — played more than a dozen times in court — captured Thomas swearing at the gelding before striking it repeatedly with his helmet.
WATCH ABOVE: Adelaide Hills showjumper and fodder store owner found guilty of animal cruelty.
In the footage, Thomas can be heard unleashing a tirade of abuse, yelling: “you f***ing billy goat c*** … f***ing can you feel it? Can you f***ing?” He continues: “Feel that stupid? Are you dumb? Are you gonna respect me tonight? … Don’t be dumb.”
Thomas, who also owns Southern Sport Horses, a popular fodder store in Totness near Mount Barker, claimed the blows were part of a legitimate training method — what his lawyer described as “necessary harm”.
But the magistrate rejected that argument, labelling Thomas “untruthful” and “vague”, and calling the supposed training technique “absolutely ridiculous”.
Outside court Thomas told 7NEWS that this was a “one off” incident.
Thomas now faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison or a $20,000 fine.
Anthony Dean Thomas has been found guilty of animal cruelty. Credit: 7NEWS
7NEWS.com.au understands that Thomas was declared bankrupt in November 2025.
Thomas was provisionally suspended by Equestrian Australia (EA) and the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) once he was charged, preventing him from taking part in official events.
Before the trial, Thomas resigned his EA membership, preventing the sports body to take action.
He was remanded on continuing bail ahead of sentencing in March.
Thomas told 7NEWS he plans to appeal his guilty verdict.
