Life these days offers elements of normalcy for dressage trainer Michael Barisone, who rides often at his farm in Loxahatchee, Fla., where he stays busy with projects that keep the stable running, as well as going to Lowe’s and spending time with his fiance.
Once a week, he has sessions with Palm Beach County, Fla., clinical psychologist Dr. David Landry. During a hearing via Zoom in Superior Court, Morristown, N.J., this week, Landry reported that Barisone “shows up on time,” is “cooperative and easily engaged and very talkative in session.”
Barisone’s reaction when things don’t go as expected has been “appropriate,” according to Landry.
Where things aren’t normal for Barisone, 61, involves issues with the U.S. Center for SafeSport and the U.S. Equestrian Federation, which list him in the category “permanently ineligible,” citing sexual harassment, emotional misconduct and violation of the National Governing Body policies/bylaws. That means the 2008 U.S. Olympic reserve rider cannot take part in USEF-licensed shows, be present on the showgrounds during competition or give clinics attended by USEF members.
But the listing also includes the stipulation “subject to appeal/not yet final,” so Barisone will be going to arbitration with SafeSport on the matter.
He also has sued USEF. That suit contends federation officials did not properly address his 2019 concerns about the behavior of his tenant and student, Lauren Kanarek and her boyfriend, Rob Goodwin. While seeking help from USEF, an emotional Barisone contended he was “in a life and death situation due to the malevolent and dangerously unpredictable conduct of Kanarek and Goodwin,” and that he feared for his life. The lawsuit maintains the USEF was obligated to refer the matter to SafeSport, which it did not do.
Barisone had been trying to evict Kanarek and Goodwin from a home on what was then his Long Valley, N.J., farm. Seven days after making his complaint to USEF, Barisone was charged with attempted second-degree murder in connection with the shooting of Kanarek during a confrontation outside the home. She spent time in intensive care after receiving two bullets in the chest. Barisone says he does not remember the incident.
During Barisone’s 2022 trial, Kanarek admitted that “at some point” she was focused on destroying him. Barisone was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent time in psychiatric hospitals before being freed under court supervision.
He appears in court twice a year for Krol hearings, such as the one on Tuesday. Krol hearings are held to evaluate the progress of a criminal defendant who has been confined to a psychiatric institution following a verdict like that received by Barisone. His next hearing is slated for August.
Landry offered no other significant revelations during the hearing, except to say at some point, he would be willing to discuss cutting back on the number of times he sees his patient, perhaps eventually to twice a month.
Barisone, who is able to travel between his Florida and New Jersey, was given permission by the court to expand his travel in order to spend time in Delaware cleaning up a family house, and in Rochester, N.Y., for dental work.