5-star rider below investigation after ‘abusive behaviours’ stuck on video

Manufacturers who subsidized or supported Andrew McConnon were severing ties with the US five-star eventer, after it was once showed he’s being investigated for alleged horse abuse.

US Equestrian (USEF) showed that it had handed related studies and fabrics to the FEI, which is having a look into the topic. USEF mentioned it is going to implement any disciplinary motion taken via the FEI.

“USEF takes all studies of equine abuse very critically and prioritises the safeguarding of horse welfare,” a spokesperson mentioned. “We gained an nameless document in the beginning of the summer time relating to US eventing athlete, Andrew McConnon, and have been despatched fabrics appearing abusive behaviours in a while after the document was once made. After figuring out USEF didn’t have jurisdiction over the topic as it didn’t contain misconduct at a USEF festival, USEF promptly referred the topic to the FEI, the place it’s below investigation.

“The FEI’s jurisdiction and talent to pursue disciplinary motion is broader relating to reported incidents of animal abuse happening out of doors of authorized competitions.”

The spokesperson added that “abuse in any shape, at any time, is unacceptable in our game”, and that the USEF board in June authorized a rule exchange extending USEF’s jurisdiction to hide studies of abuse out of festival. The guideline will come into power on 1 December.

A spokesperson for the FEI instructed H&H: “The FEI takes all allegations of horse abuse very critically and has been made conscious about the allegations in opposition to Andrew McConnon. We’re recently investigating the topic and will due to this fact now not supply any more data or feedback at this day and age.”

Andrew was once given a $50,000 (£38,379) grant at the United States Eventing Affiliation year-end awards remaining December, and competed at Defender Burghley Horse Trials remaining week with Wakita 54, completing in twenty seventh position. Since information of the investigation broke, US equestrian companies Gallops Saddlery, Equine Bonnets, Hound & Hare and Right kind Attach will now not sponsor him. Global Equestrian Manufacturers mentioned he would “now not be a part of our teacher workforce”.

H&H has approached Andrew for remark.

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over 8 years operating for native and nationwide newspapers prior to becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all sides of the business, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage regulations to mules. Her game of selection is showjumping, during which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping presentations thru to world championships.