The FEI has announced the opening of a horse abuse case against American rider Andre McConnon.
In September 2024, videos of the American were posted anonymously on social media. In these videos, McConnon can be seen hitting a horse on the head repeatedly. When these videos were released, the eventer was competing at the Burghley Horse Trials.
Although these videos went public in September 2024, a previous groom of the rider had already reported McConnon for horse abuse to the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) and the FEI.
Fast-forward January 8th 2025, and we see the FEI release the following statement:
“The FEI has opened disciplinary proceedings against USA Eventing Athlete Andrew McConnon (FEI ID/10071279) 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 (January 08, 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.”
It seems unusual that the FEI took so long to take action on this matter; they only released a statement following the videos going public, and the ban has only been brought in this week.
However, we are still pleased to see action is finally being taken to investigate the matter and work to better protect equine athletes.