The FEI Tribunal has suspended American eventing rider Andrew McConnon for 20 months due to horse abuse. The sanction, which started with the provisional suspension on 8 January 2025, will run until 8 September 2026. In addition to the suspension, McConnon has been fined 2,500 Swiss francs.
The FEI has issued a ruling in the case against the American eventing rider Andrew McConnon. He was found guilty of horse abuse and of conduct that brings the FEI and the equestrian sport into disrepute. It was also established that McConnon violated the FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse.
A leaked video shows McConnon repeatedly striking a horse on the head.
The 20-month suspension means that McConnon is not allowed to attend or participate in any international or national competition under FEI or National Federation jurisdiction until 8 September 2026. During this period, he is also prohibited from training FEI- or NF-registered horses or riders. The provisional suspension already took effect on 8 January 2025, so at the time of the final ruling, more than one and a half years of the penalty remain.
In addition to the suspension, McConnon has been fined 2,500 Swiss francs (approximately €2,650).
The full reasoned decision will be published shortly on the FEI website. Both McConnon and the FEI have 21 days to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) once the full judgment has been received.
