I know two that had almost the exact same life story. At AK as a young horse, auctioned off a few years later, found their way into an unsuspecting buyer’s life. One of them never healed completely and is still a bit of a basket case.
So sad. they were both just totally traumatized.
Is there a way to make the ban include not being allowed near horses? Just wondering if the court documents could be sent to the SPCA for a ruling from them.
Hi, you can PM me about the mare you are referring to. The person we bought her from only had her for a month, she couldn’t ride her and would not admit it. Our mare is loving her job as an eventer now.
My plan is to write to the FEI tribunal about our experience with the mare and what this type of abuse does to horses long term. I am hoping that other owners may do the same.
I am not surprised. They need to send a letter to the FEI tribunal about what this type of abuse does to horses long term. He needs to be banned.
and yet Kocher has a thriving auction and sales barn still
Glad they upheld it, but he really needs to not be allowed near animals at all.
How can anyone, in good conscience, continue to do business with him? As despicable as his behavior is, you have to question the character of those that still support him. How can any person, who supposedly loves horses, continue to deal with him? He should never be allowed near a horse.
He posted videos of him breeding, collecting stallions and impregnating mares. Oh, and he has cows as well.
This is what I wonder. There aren’t any equine professionals who provide the same services, but do not torment and abuse the horses in their care?
The hero worship in the horse world never ceases to amaze (and sadden) me.
Good luck with registering any of the offspring that he owns, since USEF has prevailed in preventing that from happening.
What’s to stop him from just registering them under a family member’s name or through some trusted business associate, though?
Trust me. No horsemen in the business hero worship Andy Kocher and no one thought much of him before all this came out.
Maybe a letter to USEF would be more effective? It was the FEI that took action after a report in a French magazine. His behavior was an open secret on the USEF circuit for years. Judging by it’s actions, the USEF is far more concerned about money than horse welfare, across multiple disciplines.
Interesting. I believe he is in business with his brother.
Because I have a deep interest in this case, (I own a mare who was in his “program”) I have read the entire FEI tribunal report. Anyone who supports this man moving forward should really be vetted. SO much abuse went on for years, and I think he became lax with his abusive behaviors as he did it so often, in training and in shows. It was the “order of the day” just shock them for any tiny training infraction! I am going to write a report to FEI tribunal on the long term effects this has on horses, it is so sad, and so inhumane.
Top riders in the world use electric spurs as told to me by a person who personally witnessed Anky warming up with them at an international event at a show. Not the right before the class warmup ring but rather the more private area away from media.
Gee I guess that’s why she repeatedly got her ass bucked off?
Well, maybe, as those who were witnesses in the tribunal admit, instead of telling you the person should be reporting these instances? Maybe you should have suggested to the person that instead of telling you they should have documented the case and reported it.
Instead of gossip, which is what you are distributing, if we want this sport to truly make horse welfare a priority people should be willing to stand up for the horses instead of whispering behind the scenes.
It’s 20 years later. So ya think? Maybe I’ve already exposed things many times in my life. Your comment has been noted and filed appropriately.
I had honestly never heard of him before the electrified spurs case. What bothers me now is it sounds like he’s still involved with horses on several fronts. So maybe it’s not “hero worship” (ala the I Stand with George movement) but there are people still supporting his horse-related businesses rather than shunning him entirely. That’s what I don’t get.
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