People, This guy was HITTING his horse with a STICK!!!! The poor horse ran out of gas after giving his all and the man hit and spurred him! Is that an "it could happen to anyone" situation?! NO, I think not. The horse would have DIED if not for the skills of the vets. It was pretty outrageous.
I don't seriously think the guy should have been beaten up, but I can't help think Patrick should not be the one being censured and rebuked.