Kevin Lemke, a German jumper based in America, came under fire when animal rights organization PETA got its hands on a video showing him whipping his horse several times in the ring. The animal rights organization then demanded an investigation by the FEI and USEF. That actually happened and resulted in a four-month suspension and a $4,000 fine.
So the trigger for the investigation was a video showing the rider beating his horse several times during a national competition. The horse refused for the obstacle on which the rider excessively used his whip. After being excluded, he rode another obstacle in which the horse crashed. PETA therefore asked that the rider be given a lifetime suspension. The FEI stated that it was not competent as it concerned a national competition and left the investigation to the USEF.
In the end it didn't come to a life-long suspension. Lemke will have to pay a fine of 4000 dollar.
Source: Horse & Hound