Manufacturers who sponsored or supported Andrew McConnon have been severing ties with the US five-star eventer, after it was confirmed he’s being investigated for alleged horse abuse.
US Equestrian (USEF) confirmed that it had handed related experiences and supplies to the FEI, which is wanting into the matter. USEF stated it is going to implement any disciplinary motion taken by the FEI.
“USEF takes all experiences of equine abuse very significantly and prioritises the safeguarding of horse welfare,” a spokesperson stated. “We obtained an nameless report in the beginning of the summer season concerning US eventing athlete, Andrew McConnon, and have been despatched supplies exhibiting abusive behaviours shortly after the report was made. After figuring out USEF didn’t have jurisdiction over the matter as a result of it didn’t contain misconduct at a USEF competitors, USEF promptly referred the matter to the FEI, the place it’s below investigation.
“The FEI’s jurisdiction and talent to pursue disciplinary motion is broader concerning reported incidents of animal abuse occurring outdoors of licensed competitions.”
The spokesperson added that “abuse in any kind, at any time, is unacceptable in our sport”, and that the USEF board in June authorized a rule change extending USEF’s jurisdiction to cowl experiences of abuse out of competitors. The rule will come into power on 1 December.
A spokesperson for the FEI advised H&H: “The FEI takes all allegations of horse abuse very significantly and has been made conscious of the allegations towards Andrew McConnon. We’re at present investigating the matter and may due to this fact not present any additional info or feedback at this cut-off date.”
Andrew was given a $50,000 (£38,379) grant on the US Eventing Affiliation year-end awards final December, and competed at Defender Burghley Horse Trials final week with Wakita 54, ending in twenty seventh place. Since information of the investigation broke, US equestrian companies Gallops Saddlery, Equine Bonnets, Hound & Hare and Right Join will now not sponsor him. World Equestrian Manufacturers stated he would “now not be a part of our coach crew”.
H&H has approached Andrew for remark.
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H&H information editor
Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Keen about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all features of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, during which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals by way of to worldwide championships.
