The FEI tribunal has suspended American rider Andrew Kocher for 10 years and disqualified him from eight events between June 2018 and November 2019 for using electric spurs on horses. Kocher has also been fined CHF 10,000 and ordered to pay costs of CHF 7,500.
The FEI said the following in a statement:
"The FEI's legal department informed the athlete on 29 June 2020 that an investigation had been launched following allegations of the use of electric spurs reported to the independent Equestrian Community Integrity Unit (ECIU). Mr Kocher is alleged to have used electric spurs on a number of FEI registered and national horses during international and national events and training.
As a result of the investigation, the FEI formally initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr Kocher in October 2020. He was provisionally suspended on 28 October 2020 pending a hearing before the FEI Tribunal, and this period will be deducted from the full suspension, meaning that the athlete is ineligible until 27 October 2030."
During the suspension, the athlete may not participate or be present, in any capacity, including as a spectator, in competitions or events approved or organised by the FEI or a national federation.
The FEI said the following in a statement:
"The FEI's legal department informed the athlete on 29 June 2020 that an investigation had been launched following allegations of the use of electric spurs reported to the independent Equestrian Community Integrity Unit (ECIU). Mr Kocher is alleged to have used electric spurs on a number of FEI registered and national horses during international and national events and training.
As a result of the investigation, the FEI formally initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr Kocher in October 2020. He was provisionally suspended on 28 October 2020 pending a hearing before the FEI Tribunal, and this period will be deducted from the full suspension, meaning that the athlete is ineligible until 27 October 2030."
During the suspension, the athlete may not participate or be present, in any capacity, including as a spectator, in competitions or events approved or organised by the FEI or a national federation.