The FEI (international equestrian federation) on Wednesday released details of a hearing involving U.S. eventer Andrew McConnon, who was suspended for 20 months after a three-member tribunal found he had committed horse abuse. The suspension started on the date of his provisional suspension, Jan. 8, 2025, and continues until Sept. 8, 2026.
The tribunal that heard the case consisted of two Canadians and an Argentinian, who found that while McConnon breached the FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse, he was a “very credible and reliable witness.”
At the same time, the panel stated in its Nov. 24 decision that the majority of the FEI’s evidence was deemed insufficient to prove its allegations, which included numerous witnesses examined during a two-day hearing. McConnon also presented witnesses on his behalf.
However, the panel “carefully considered whether the respondent (McConnon) had a motive to misrepresent any events. While he clearly has an interest in the outcome of these proceedings, his willingness to admit wrongdoing, coupled with his refusal to shift blame to others, enhanced his credibility.”
The tribunal found that McConnon in one instance that was brought forward had used a whip on a horse “more times than was appropriate,” but noted the FEI did not meet its burden of proof for determining that McConnon had engaged in “excessive beating.” In another instance, the tribunal determined his use of the reins was “firmer than necessary” and that jabbing the horse in the mouth three times constituted horse abuse. He also was found to have slapped a horse seven times on the top of its neck.
Those who wish to read the panel’s entire 120-page decision can click here.
McConnon, a 5-star rider who has represented the U.S. in competition, was fined 2,500 Swiss francs ($3,092). He is banned from taking part in any competition or event, or in any related activity under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any national federation during his suspension. The North Carolinian also is prohibited from training any FEI/national federation-registered athletes and/or FEI/national federation-registered horses.
Andrew McConnon competing in 2024. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
There are members of the equestrian community who questioned what they considered the relatively short length of McConnon’s suspension. But as for the sentiment to ban the rider for life, the tribunal noted the offenses fell in the “mid-range” category of the table provided at Article 164.13 of the General Regulations. This table provides for a suspension ranging between three months and two years.
“Accordingly, a sanction up to a lifetime ban – as requested by the FEI – is not warranted in this case,” the tribunal stated in its decision.
The tribunal did find that McConnon engaged in abuse of horse as well as in conduct that has brought the FEI and equestrian sport into disrepute, thereby violating Article 142.1 (Abuse of Horse) in conjunction with Article 164.11 (offenses) of the FEI General Regulations.
The case surfaced in September 2024, after videos appeared on social media of McConnon hitting horses.
Witness credibility was an issue with the tribunal. Of the eight witnesses testifying against McConnon, the tribunal gave four no weight, two minimal weight and one moderate weight, while deeming another witness not applicable. On the other hand, the panel gave the eight witnesses testifying on McConnon’s behalf moderate to full weight.
Testifying before the tribunal about what had transpired, McConnon said he had to “let go” a groom, who became one of the witnesses against him. However, he had already committed to clients to bring in seven horses. Without his usual support, he had difficulty managing all of the horses on his own, he stated. At the same time, his father’s health was in decline after being diagnosed with cancer. In addition, the owner of one of the horses mentioned in the case was delinquent in paying and owed him tens of thousands of dollars.
McConnon stated, “Those are just some of the things that were going on personally and inappropriately I let my personal life go over into my work life and that never should have happened.” The panel considered his personal circumstances to be a mitigating
factor.
Before viewing videos of his behavior toward the horses during the hearing, McConnon told the tribunal, ” just want to be clear that in my explanation, this isn’t justifying my actions. You’ll hear throughout my testimony and in my thoughts at the end that it’s absolutely unacceptable. I’ll make that clear. I just don’t want that to be confused with me describing what happened on the day.”
At the end of the hearing, McConnon asked to make a statement before the tribunal.
“In the beginning of last year, I acted out of character with my values as a horseman. As a professional athlete and an upper-level competitor, it is my responsibility to set an example.However, in March 2024, I was extremely thankful to [FEI Witness 1] for kindly speaking with me after a difficult ride about what she had witnessed. That conversation helped me put my then current struggles into focus. I made the necessary changes that day and I was thankful for her forgiveness for my behavior. This isn’t a case of `I’m sorry I got caught.’ I’m genuinely sorry for my actions. Being a private and independent person, I incorrectly tried to handle my struggles
alone.
“Because of the overwhelming things that were going on in my personal life, I inappropriately allowed it to carry over into my work and what I need, what I needed was help. Soon after that day, I called a fellow professional, [Respondent Witness 1],7 whom you’ve met and shared with him my shortcomings.
“In September, after the social media attacks started, I personally contacted each of my sponsors and clients, as well as the group from Rebecca Farm, who gave me the grant to compete in Europe. During my career, I’ve never received a verbal warning or a sanction in any way. My horses have been inspected and drug tested dozens of times with no positive results. While the investigation
understandably has focused on my shortcomings, I hope my years of service, volunteering and dedication is taken into consideration. I respect and understand the importance of reporting.
“A few years ago, I was a victim of bullying and had to utilize SafeSport myself. I also understand the importance of correct reporting and allowing the organizations to conduct their investigation. While I’ve taken responsibility personally and have discussed this matter privately with my sponsors, clients, and close friends, I’ve stayed off of social media out of the respect for this investigation.
“I’ve been criticized for not making a statement online, but I did not think that it was appropriate to deal with this on social media. I still believe that I have not been hiding, and despite paying a heavy price for my silence online, I didn’t want to interfere with this investigation in any way. During these difficult times, my privacy has been violated. My reputation has been destroyed.
“My income has been halted, and my future in the sport I love has been threatened. I know that my reputation will never be restored because of the social media campaign, but I have learned from my mistakes and I still believe that I can be a valuable and contributing member of the FEI community.
“My passion is to produce horses, compete, and to give back to the sport, and help mentor junior and young riders. I believe if given the opportunity I can train and compete correctly while continuing to educate the next generation on the importance of horsemanship
and asking for help when needed.
“I can’t undo what has happened, but I wish to be a positive influence moving forward. I hope you accept my apology and admission of wrongdoing. I will never repeat these behaviors.”
Parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the full decision.
Meanwhile, U.S. singles driver Raymond Helmuth of Iowa also has been provisionally suspended by the FEI on allegations of horse abuse.