The FEI and USEA have formally opened disciplinary proceedings against USA Eventing Athlete Andrew McConnon, following allegations of horse abuse involving numerous horses over an extensive period of time.
The disciplinary proceedings against Mr McConnon are in accordance with Article 30 of the Internal Regulations of the FEI Tribunal for multiple alleged breaches of the FEI General Regulations, including Article 142, which prohibits horse abuse.
Mr McConnon has been provisionally suspended, effective from the date of notification (8th January 2025), meaning that he is suspended from participation in any events or activities related to the FEI and/or any National Federation, in whatever capacity, as long as his provisional suspension has not been lifted by the FEI Tribunal*
As a result, the United States Eventing Association (USEA) have also issued a reciprocal suspension, pending the final outcome of the investigation being led by the FEI.
To ensure the integrity of the ongoing legal proceedings, the FEI has advised that it will not provide further comment on this case at this time.
Information on this FEI case is available here.
* FEI General Regulations art.164.6 Suspension: (a) During the period of a Suspension the Person, Horse and/or body suspended may take no part in any Competition or Event and/or in any activities related to any Competition or Event, as an Athlete, Support Personnel, Horse and/or Official or in the organisation of, any Competition or Event under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any Competition or Event under the jurisdiction of an NF in accordance with the Statutes or in any FEI and/or NF related activity (e.g. FEI courses, meetings, General Assembly etc.). For the avoidance of any doubt, training FEI Athletes and/or FEI Horses (whether at FEI Events or anywhere else) is to be considered as an FEI related activity. Persons are entitled to train their own Horses at their own facilities or at private facilities (i.e. not linked to any FEI or national Events/trainings’ facilities).
