Andrew McConnon horse abuse

[Marigold]

First of all, holy shit and I am so sorry @Blugal . I’m sorry that happened and I’m sorry for the limited options you had to put yourself first and I’m sorry that person still operates on the periphery of your life.

To be crystal clear, I want to restate something I have said in previous posts. My two criticisms of MCB are:

• They are established horse professionals who operate their own business out of their own facility and thus have quite a bit more protection and security than the average witness who could report
• To publish an itemized list of abuse that heinous and then tell the general public that this happens in, and I quote, “almost every corner of every farm” is both false and gives cover to abusers while potentially confusing people who, like you as a teenager, are just learning to identify abuse

Neither of those things apply to you. You were a legal child, who was relying on this abuser for food, shelter, education, and opportunities. You had very little power in that situation, and you didn’t even have an educational baseline at that point in your life to truly understand what you were looking at or what your (very limited) options were. What that horrible person did was not your fault, and I am so sorry you were ever put in that situation. I am glad you sought treatment for that experience and I hope you never question your culpability in that situation.

[trubandloki]

@phoenixrises

I don’t understand why you are saying less than a week? They were notified in May and punted to the FEI?

Yes, but they were quietly ignoring it in the background thinking they can deal with it at their own pace (or not at all), then some put it out on social media so the whole thing came crashing down and they have had a short time to figure out how to deal with for real.

[JER]

@jcc813

I do wonder what AM’s thinking was by not withdrawing from Burghley while knowing that the FEI was already a couple months into an investigation on him–with some pretty damning evidence–per the EN article.

AM was thinking that the same powerful friends who’ve been protecting him for years would protect him again this time.

[FitzE]

@Amberley

Especially as you are now stating you haven’t actually read the CoC.

Read again. I said I HAVE read the CoC but not the rest of the related document(s). See how you didn’t even get what I was saying I had done and above wrote it as the very opposite of what I said?

@FitzE

I’ve seen the CoC but I have to see the part where it spells out consequences of violating the CoC.

What you are saying makes no legal sense to me. Your argument is: if an organisation is underfunded, they don’t need to uphold any of the rules and regulations under which people joined and paid their membership fees.

Where do you get this idea that underfunded orgs are allowed to do nothing b/c they are underfunded. That’s an issue they must address and resolve. They are not allowed to completely abdicate their responsibilities to their members b/c they are short on cash. Do you see how that isn’t legal at all? Entities could simply hide funds so that none of them ever had to act on their own principles. That makes no sense. No legal system allows that.

And someone. not you already graciously offered to send me the remaining docs to read. These aren’t difficult documents at all. But if you cared and you’re a member, you could have sent them to me, too.

All those people you note are problematic. But that does not mean the USEF has nothing it needs to do. It must uphold the standards you all signed on for. It can’t hide behind anything in it’s drive not to, esp not finances.

Finances DO NOT MATTER with respect to the duty of an organisation to uphold its rules and standards. It’s not optional, only for the well funded orgs. All orgs must operate according to their constitutional documents and must uphold their rules and standards. Crying poverty does not change that duty. Do you see how that is an utterly nonsensical legal position?

[DownYonder]

@jcc813

Mental health aside (I think @Blugal addressed that well in their response), I do wonder what AM’s thinking was by not withdrawing from Burghley while knowing that the FEI was already a couple months into an investigation on him–with some pretty damning evidence–per the EN article.

I’m assuming he would have felt even more nervous once the CJD story broke and how quickly that was addressed. Did he just have so much ego thinking that his story would not come out before he got his big chance to compete? Maybe because the FEI had not sent him a formal communication he just assumed he’d be in the clear?

I guess at least this makes me have a fractional bit more respect for CDJ who agreed to/volunteered for a suspension thereby allowing GB to send someone else in her place.

Do we know if was aware before Burghley that there was actual video evidence of multiple instances of abuse? If he was aware, then it sounds like the typical bull-headed narcissistic response of an abuser - esp. a male - to just go full steam ahead anyway. It was in essence an “in your face” response toward USEF and FEI. IOW, “Come and get me - I dare you!”

[phoenixrises]

Right but I think most of our issue (or at least mine), is that they washed their hands and said not my problem. When their code of conduct allows it to be their problem, they just don’t want it to be!

https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/kcjRTgU9fI8/code-of-conduct

[trubandloki]

@phoenixrises

Right but I think most of our issue (or at least mine), is that they washed their hands and said not my problem. When their code of conduct allows it to be their problem, they just don’t want it to be!

https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/kcjRTgU9fI8/code-of-conduct

I 100% agree with this.

[DownYonder]

@FitzE

they are trying to shield themselves but kicking it down the road to the FEI. But that still doesn’t cover that fact that they are failing to uphold their own standards and rules. They have to answer for that, too. You don’t get to set up and org and sign everyone on to rules and then simply abdicate your responsibility to enforce those rules as you see fit or b/c your scared. That in itself is something you CAN get sued for, actually.

@phoenixrises

Can we the members do anything legally as they aren’t holding these rules up?

How about a bunch of folks go to the convention and stand up in a big meeting and ask TPTB why they refuse to enforce their own policies vis-à-vis abuse? It would be very interesting if someone with serious cajones stands up and drills down in a big town hall meeting on why USEF continually chooses to ignore sections of its own charter.

[Blugal]

Thanks, Marigold.

I read Matt Brown’s post slightly differently - I think the wording is open to different interpretations.

The way I interpreted Matt Brown’s post/meaning was along the lines of:

• a lot of people are acting shocked at the videos of Andrew McConnon, but maybe some of them have been somewhat wilfully blind to all the indicators of abuse that they have likely been seeing (or accepting) from many people in the industry.
• It’s not sufficient to nail this one person to the wall, when the real, over-arching problem is that the governing bodies haven’t created a safe reporting structure that takes allegations seriously, protects reporters, follows through on investigations and sanctions, and is transparent about doing so.
• evidence of this problem are the examples of when a professional like Matt Brown tries to report and is met with ambivalence or even active push-back from officials
• Matt Brown recognizes he has done wrong things in the past, and has learned from it, including how to identify when he may be close to losing his temper, so that he doesn’t lose his temper and take it out on the horses. Matt Brown feels that Andrew McConnon has not learned that same lesson, and possibly refuses to.
• Matt Brown is encouraging people to consider how they react to these reports, because other people who are training with abusive practices may be fix-able, but if we vilify them, and especially if they have some mental health issues, that can lead to bad outcomes.

[Edited to remove comment about Amy Tryon]
ETA: a later post states her death was ruled an accidental overdose. If I am wrong in my impression stated above, I am very sorry.

[Amberley]

I’m responding to FitzE assertions they should have put out a definitive statement since the videos were made public on Fri/ Sat.

I think we should be focusing on things they can really actually change and achieve that will have lasting effects instead of focusing on that imho unreasonable standard.

[Amberley]

@FitzE

Your argument is: if an organisation is underfunded, they don’t need to uphold any of the rules and regulations under which people joined and paid their membership fees.

My argument is that if they are underfunded they need to be damn careful what they say publicly about an ongoing investigation. Because if they did that every month they’d get sued to oblivion pretty quickly. Especially after the fake accusations against the French rider.

No-one will take these kinds of public debates seriously if they focus on hasty performative actions and not real fundamental change.

[Virginia_Horse_Mom]

Ditto to everything stated here. And I appreciate @Blugal sharing an important dose of experience and perspective.

In a different context in life, I too have had to walk away from abusive situations, and choose personal wellbeing and health. And it was complicated and involved profound personal loss. And… that was without even reporting to anyone. If I had reported? The loss and destruction would have been much greater.

Fortunately, a lot of life happened, and life goes on, and I am fortunate and in a very different position these days. So I have empathy for people who are stuck in certain circumstances and have no good options.

But back to the topic at hand. My frustration in this case isn’t even really with fellow 5* riders who are not making formal reports about things they have witnessed. My frustration DEFINITELY isn’t with younger up and coming riders, who are working students or assistants in serious programs, and trying to make their way through the sport to get a spot on a list, or get a grant, or maybe eventually get a spot on a team.

I’m aware that the dynamics involved are… challenging.

I think my anger and grief over this situation is with the people who “were in positions of authority” per Eventing Nation, and who responded to the reporting party’s concerns about abuse with ambivalence.

I’m incredibly troubled by that.

I’m also troubled that when it was clear in June of 2024 that the abuse complaint and related evidence had gone to the FEI and they were going to open an investigation… leadership at USA Eventing and AM apparently did not find a way to quietly reach an agreement that he would not compete on the international stage at Burghley.

I don’t understand that.

I do understand that investigations take time, rules can be tricky, legal aspects of situations can be contentious, and everyone must be careful about setting certain precedents…

And I understand that in a perfect world, we would all have transparency and clarity about everything.

But there is no perfect world. And sometimes putting a quiet “lid” on a volatile situation is the best possible approach while investigations and legal processes play out. And I just have trouble understanding why that didn’t happen here. It seems like that would have been a prudent approach given the situation.

[Amberley]

@DownYonder

“Well, I didn’t see it happen so I can’t do anything about it. But if you want to pursue it, you will have to go through official channels to file a complaint. It will cost you $200 to file, and I will tell you up front, nothing will be done unless you have photographic or video evidence and/or other people also come forward with the same complaint.”

So propose a rule change if you want to see that go differently in the future.

How many people on this thread have done that? Or even vote when they get the chance, or attend meetings? The truth is that every organization is run by the 5% who show up at the meetings and the 10% who vote.

[trubandloki]

Thank you for saying that so well @Blugal. I agree with you. That is how I read it too, I have just done a very poor job of expressing my thoughts. You did it so well.

[coffeehag]

Pardon me if I’m misinterpreting but… my understanding is that the videos were released publicly because the FEI has been sitting on their asses since May, taking little to no action, and often days and weeks to even follow up via email. The whole purpose of a public release was/is to light a fire under FEI. USEF has known since May, per EN article, meaning they had ample time to prepare a statement knowing, especially in this day and age, it would eventually come to light publicly.

And to @FitzE point, you can’t seriously be saying that this org, regardless of funding or staffing status, wouldn’t see these videos be released publicly and call an emergency meeting to get a statement. I work in advertising and I’ve seen more effort done for less.

I’m glad you’re such a staunch advocate for USEF doing the bare minimum, but when animals are actively being endangered, it is wholly ridiculous to say that they “didn’t have time” to release a statement. They had months of silence. Any org worth their salt would’ve had an emergency statement ready to go in case something like this happened , or at the least, would’ve been prepared to call an emergency meeting to dress for when it was publicly released.

Edited for clarity (see bold)

[Amberley]

@Virginia_Horse_Mom

I’m also troubled that when it was clear in June of 2024 that the abuse complaint and related evidence had gone to the FEI and they were going to open an investigation… leadership at USA Eventing and AM apparently did not find a way to quietly reach an agreement that he would not compete on the international stage at Burghley.

Read the rules. They have to give him a hearing before they can censure him, that’s how it works. These are the rules you all agreed to when you joined the USEF. Apparently without reading them.

I think many rules should be changed! I have been involved in trying to change some of them, including some discussed here, many years ago and the utter, complete apathy we have met from the membership at large was deafening. I know hundreds of horse people and maybe 4 helped or wrote letters of support or showed up to meetings. “someone else’s problem” is the overwhelming response.

If you are a member you ARE part of USEF, like it or not. It’s not like everyone woke up today and discovered that the reporting system was broken or that USEF has no control over what happens outside competitions. It’s been discussed ad nauseum, every time a banned pro is coaching just off the showgrounds or selling horses to competitors. And then there is a meeting and no-one shows up.

You can post rants online about what other people should be doing and call them whatever you want but if you want to see change you need to get involved. Posting on social media means nothing.

[Bonnie2]

For me, having the entire community hold McConnon responsible for what we have seen is reasonable. There is no context that makes his actions tolerable. There is no doubt that that is actually him on the video and sufficient witness testimony to support taking the videos at face value. Not an AI creation. It is important that outside our insular community, people understand horsemen find this reprehensible. And yes it is appropriate for it to “go through the proper channels” and we will need to wait to see what the final penalty will be. No, I have no empathy or sympathy for McConnon. He committed purposeful and repeated acts of abuse. I have empathy for the rider who makes a mistake that harms a horse and the armchair pundits pile on.
The witch hunt begins as people start to ask who knew and how much to blame them. Obviously, no one blames the working students. The SO/vet? How about the farrier? Body worker? Braider? Owners, students being coached? Old Boys Club? Yes they all probably carry a portion of guilt. But you don’t make anyone more willing to come forward in the future by crucifying people without hard evidence. Much has been said about ULR not making statements. An ULR risks their livelihood by pissing off the wrong person. They have families and employees that rely on them. Should we all speak up? Absolutely. But we should offer empathy to anyone that doesn’t feel it is safe to speak up. And let’s do what we can to make it safe for others to speak out. This is social media’s strength. If the Old Boys Club wants to sweep it under the rug, they can’t anymore. The cell phone may just be the horse’s best friend.

[Blugal]

@FitzE

But that still doesn’t cover that fact that they are failing to uphold their own standards and rules. They have to answer for that, too. You don’t get to set up and org and sign everyone on to rules and then simply abdicate your responsibility to enforce those rules as you see fit or b/c your scared. That in itself is something you CAN get sued for, actually.

It is a noble sentiment. Practically, however, our actual governments do this all the time, due in part to budgetary reasons. It’s against the law to drive drunk, to steal, to sell marijuana to your neighbour. But there aren’t enough bylaw officers, police, prosecutors, and judges to catch, report, and prosecute everything that’s contrary to our social code of conduct, i.e. the laws governing us.

[Virginia_Horse_Mom]

@Amberley

@Virginia_Horse_Mom

I’m also troubled that when it was clear in June of 2024 that the abuse complaint and related evidence had gone to the FEI and they were going to open an investigation… leadership at USA Eventing and AM apparently did not find a way to quietly reach an agreement that he would not compete on the international stage at Burghley.

Read the rules. They have to give him a hearing before they can censure him, that’s how it works. These are the rules you all agreed to when you joined the USEF. Apparently without reading them.

But I am not even talking about censuring him.

I’m talking about AM sitting down with two or three key people in USEF leadership, and discussing the fact that this abuse complaint had moved forward to the FEI, and the video and photographs involved looked AWFUL, and given all the concerns about social license to operate in this sport, and concerns about the future of eventing as an Olympic discipline… PERHAPS for the good of the team and the sport… he should quietly withdraw from Burghley while the investigation plays out, so that USA Eventing could avoid a potential PR DISASTER.

So no public suspension. No official censure. Just a quiet private discussion with TPTB that it’s best for the team and the sport and probably AM himself to voluntarily take a step back and hit the pause button while this investigation takes place.

People do have these sorts of practical discussions in difficult situations like this in an effort to get ahead of potential public relations issues…

I hope that makes some sense.

[Tackpud]

@trubandloki

Isn’t reporting to the officials at a show reporting to the governing body?
Isn’t that what we are supposed to be doing, reporting to the officials at the show?

In theory, yes. In actuality, no. Some Stewards and TDs only report what they want seen by USEF.