A relatively small media ripple was created earlier this week during the lead up to what was supposed to be a positive Wednesday, December 12 match race between South African Paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius and an Arabian horse. Now, those associated with the event are hoping that the excessive whipping that the horse endured does not create a negative tidal wave in the mainstream media.

The match race, which took place in Doha, Qatar, was supposed to display the abilities of Pistorius, who, as a report by CNN explains, took part in the event in an effort to publicize some of the remarkable abilities of 'disabled' people.

Pistorius lived up to his end of the bargain. He ran a sound, spirited race and defeated the horse, which had been handed a 15-metre disadvantage from the outset. What Pistorius did not sign up for was to be linked to a spectacle which saw a horse hit repeatedly with a riding crop --- roughly 15 to 17 times

The CNN report explains that prior to the event being held, World Horse Welfare had taken the stance that it did not have a problem with the race taking place as long as the horse was treated fairly. Afterward, WHW stated that, among other things, the display was a "disgrace."

"I participated in the race in good faith as it was to promote abilities across sport and I was totally unaware of any alleged excessive force being used on the horse," CNN has quoted Pistorius as saying.

"I don't condone any ill-treatment of animals and would always hope that a horse would be ridden in the correct way. Those who know me well are very aware of my well-publicized care and love of animals."

(With files from CNN)