Former Olympic rider suspended as ‘appalling’ coaching video investigated

The FEI has provisionally suspended a former Olympic rider because it investigates an “appalling and abhorrent coaching video”.

The footage reveals a horse being hit twice on the neck or head whereas in ridden coaching, and an extended whip getting used with one other horse on lengthy traces.

The movies have since been shared to YouTube and a United States Equestrian USEF spokesman instructed H&H it’s conscious of the state of affairs.

“We’re conscious of the appalling and abhorrent coaching video posted yesterday. We’ve got notified the FEI and are working with them to provoke the investigation of this severe matter,” the spokesman mentioned.

“USEF stands strongly towards coaching strategies that are abusive to horses. For extra info on reporting equine abuse, and the function of USEF in stopping equine abuse [visit the USEF website].”

An FEI spokesman instructed H&H dressage rider Cesar Parra has been “instantly provisionally suspended whereas the FEI investigates the disturbing and abhorrent photos and movies in relation to his coaching strategies which have not too long ago emerged”.

“Equestrian sport is constructed on a basis of respect for our equine companions, with an obligation of care to make sure their psychological and bodily wellbeing comes first, forward of all competitors and/or coaching ambitions,” the spokesman mentioned.

“By means of the FEI’s guidelines and rules, the welfare of the horse, and any motion or omission which causes or is more likely to trigger ache or pointless discomfort to a horse constitutes a violation of our guidelines and shall be sanctioned. The FEI stays resolute in its dedication to upholding the very best requirements of equine welfare and sanctioning behaviour which deviates from these rules, and shall be actively investigating this case as a matter of urgency.

“As that is an open investigation, no additional remark shall be supplied in relation to the alleged offences whereas the investigation is ongoing. The FEI can also be collaborating and liaising with US Equestrian and the FEI’s provisional suspension and any subsequent sanctions shall be recognised on the nationwide stage.”

Cesar Parra is initially from Colombia, however was given US citizenship in 2009. He was on the US workforce that gained gold on the 2011 Pan American Video games, represented the US on the 2006 World Equestrian Video games and has competed at World Cup finals. Earlier than he took US citizenship, he competed on the 2004 Olympics.

H&H has approached Cesar 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. Enthusiastic about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all points of the business, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of selection is showjumping, by which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals by means of to worldwide championships.