United States Eventing Association

FEI Opens Horse Abuse Case Against Andrew McConnon

The FEI has issued the following statement surrounding allegations made against U.S. eventer Andrew McConnon:

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 8, 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.

Information on this case is available here.

In order to ensure the integrity of the ongoing legal proceedings, the FEI will not provide further comment on this case at this time.

As a result, the United States Eventing Association (USEA) will be issuing a reciprocal suspension, pending the final outcome of the investigation being led by the FEI.

“We support the decision made by the FEI to thoroughly investigate this matter," shared USEA CEO Rob Burk, "and the USEA will continue to cooperate with both the USEF and FEI, the governing bodies that hold responsibility for investigations and disciplinary proceedings under the rules of our sport."

Matters such as these require time to fully investigate. The USEA will continue to provide updates on this matter as they become available.

As a USEA member, there are resources available to report any concerns about equine welfare via the USEF here.