A FEI spokesperson stated: "The FEI has today notified British Jumping athlete Ben Talbot of a two-month suspension following receipt of a yellow warning card for abuse of horse and incorrect behaviour at last weekend’s CSI4* Groß Viegeln (GER). The athlete struck the horse Everglade with his whip a number of times and spurred him repeatedly after a refusal on course and the onsite Ground Jury reacted immediately, ringing the bell and calling the athlete up to the jury box on the public address system. The athlete was disqualified from the entire event with all his horses and asked to leave the showgrounds."
"The athlete was given a yellow warning card by the Groß Viegeln Ground Jury. As he had received a yellow warning card for incorrect behaviour at the CSI4* Arezzo (ITA) in April of this year, and in line with Article 169.7.2 of the FEI General Regulations, the athlete has now been suspended for two months from the date of notification (20 June 2018).
Article 169.7.2 of the FEI General Regulations states: Should the same Person Responsible receive one (1) more Yellow Warning Card at the same or any other International Event within one year of the delivery of the first Yellow Warning Card, the Person Responsible shall be automatically suspended for a period of two (2) months after official notification from the FEI Secretary General.
The FEI General Regulations and Statutes state that any suspension must also be enforced by the relevant National Federation, so in addition to the FEI suspension, Mr Talbot will be suspended by the British Equestrian Federation as well.
FEI General Regulations, Article 169.5.1 During the period of a Provisional or Final Suspension the person, Horse or body suspended may take no part in Competitions or Events as an Athlete, Horse or Official or in the organisation of, any Event under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any Event under the jurisdiction of an NF in accordance with Statutes Article 41, or be present at an Event (other than as a spectator) that is under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any National Federation.
FEI Statutes, Article 41.2 All penalties imposed by a competent body of the FEI or the CAS shall be accepted by all National Federations and enforced by the FEI and all National Federations concerned."
