The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in a case of Abuse of Horse and Breach of the FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse.
The abuse case involved the horse Allegro (FEI ID 104QY43 /GER), ridden by Andre Schröder (FEI ID 10022310 /UKR), at the CSI1* in Samorin, Slovakia 6-9 May 2021.
FEI Officials reported to the FEI, that prior to the Grand Prix competition, the athlete used hind boots with sharp pressure points on his horse. Upon further inspection of the boots by the Chief Steward, it became visible that there were holes on the inside of the hind boots, containing sharp spikes. The athlete changed his statement a number of times and was ultimately issued a Yellow Warning Card onsite for Abuse of Horse. Further to a detailed review of the FEI Officials’ Reports, the FEI deemed that the seriousness of the offence warranted additional sanctions in accordance with the FEI General Regulations.
In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal disqualified the horse and athlete from the competition in question, and imposed a one-year suspension on the athlete starting from the date of this decision, 29 September 2021. The athlete was also fined CHF 5,000 and asked to pay costs of CHF 2,000.
The parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the decision
The full Decision is available here.