The Worldwide Federation for Equestrian Sports activities (FEI) introduced it has opened an investigation into American eventer Andrew McConnon associated to allegations of horse abuse involving a number of horses over an prolonged time frame.
The disciplinary proceedings in opposition to McConnon, 38, have been sparked by a number of alleged breaches of the FEI Normal Rules, together with Article 142, which prohibits horse abuse.
In 2024, movies surfaced on social media allegedly displaying McConnon driving a horse and placing it a number of instances within the head. Studies of abuse to the FEI and different governing sport our bodies got here from individuals who allegedly labored for McConnon and witnessed a number of cases of horse abuse over time.
Because of the investigation, McConnon has been suspended from competitors by the FEI, and subsequently, additionally the U.S. Equestrian Federation and the US Eventing Affiliation, efficient this month. No determination has been made but within the ongoing case. McConnon will probably be granted a chance to attraction any determination.
The FEI stated it is not going to present additional data on the case presently to “make sure the integrity of the continuing authorized proceedings.” Extra details about McConnon’s case will probably be up to date right here as particulars turn out to be accessible.
“We assist the choice made by the FEI to totally examine this matter,” shared USEA CEO Rob Burk, “and the USEA will proceed to cooperate with each the USEF and FEI, the governing our bodies that maintain accountability for investigations and disciplinary proceedings beneath the principles of our sport.”
Shortly earlier than the 2024 Olympics, British dressage darling Charlotte Durjardin withdrew from the Paris Video games as video surfaced of her that alleged horse abuse. On December 5, the FEI issued a one-year suspension for Dujardin associated to the case.
Allegations in opposition to McConnon have been shared with the FEI earlier in 2024, and it took eight months for the group to formally announce an investigation and concern a suspension.
McConnon competed final yr on the Defender Burghley CCI5*-L on a Rebecca Broussard Worldwide Growing Rider Grant, awarded by the U.S. Eventing Affiliation Basis, after abuse allegations had already been shared with governing sport our bodies. On the time, an FEI spokesperson confirmed McConnon was beneath investigation however didn’t present additional particulars.
McConnon, primarily based in North Carolina, is a lifelong equestrian who has competed as knowledgeable in three-day eventing and present leaping since 2011, based on his biography on the USEF web site. McConnon had success early in his profession, together with third-place finishes within the CCI2*-S at Chattahoochee Hills with Fernhill Tic Tac in 2013, and with Ziggy in 2014. He spent two years working for William Fox-Pitt in Nice Britain, the place he additionally competed and accomplished the CCI2*-L at Houghton Corridor with Andarilho in 2017.
Extra not too long ago, McConnon received the USEA Younger Occasion Horse-5 divisions at Full Gallop Farm and 5 Factors Horse Trials in 2019. He additionally received the Virginia Horse Trials CCI-1* in 2020. That very same yr, McConnon was named to the Adequan® USEF Futures Workforce Problem with Ferrie’s Cello.
These involved about horse abuse are at all times inspired to report back to the USEF. Click on right here for extra data.
