Andrew McConnon horse abuse

[trubandloki]

@Amberley

I wonder if they are truly an attorney tbh.

I would not doubt that part.
You might not agree with them, but I have no doubts that @FitzE is an attorney.

[shamrocker58]

I own mare who “electrified Spurs” were used as the “order of the day” in her training, I heard about air bags being blown off as well, I can’t imagine what else. This is sick stuff. My mare has taken over two years to dig out of this training trauma. It is the horses who suffer ultimately. So sad for our four legged partners who truly want to do their best.

[Bonnie2]

Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if when this hit the USEF desk the response was we don’t want to touch that! Throw it upstairs! No need to argue about what they could or could not have done. That is what they did. Passed the buck.

[Marigold]

@173north

I appreciate the empathy here and I think the fear of being vilified or cancelled for a once-in-a-blue-moon “bad moment” caught on video is very common. I think a lot of that fear is because we ALL have instances we regret. It’s a reflection of our own shame.

But when these types of videos and accusations come out, it’s almost never something that happened once. It’s rare that they aren’t connected to a bigger pattern of abuse. It’s rare for accusations to be false. It’s also VERY rare for them to be about anyone who isn’t a fairly high profile professional, and those pros need to realize they are public figures. They will be videoed. If they are behaving poorly, it will eventually come out.

It’s possible Andrew has a mental health issue, because it’s possible ANYONE does. It does not resolve you of personal responsibility in 99% of cases - the “truly can’t be held responsible” tier of mental illness leads to inpatient treatment, not Burghley. If you’re too unwell to ride without punching your horse in the face (!), you should be on the phone to a therapist and not riding until the issue is resolved, even if that requires a career change.

I know Andrew and his family, although I haven’t seen any of them in years. This is his profession and he has violated his ethical duty to the horses in his care, his clients, his students, his sponsors. No one says stockbrokers accused of insider trading “made a mistake” or might be mentally unwell…

This is a great post. With regards to the first paragraph, which I really agree with, the example I hope people keep in mind is the difference between getting frustrated and snapping at your spouse, compared with someone who has created an abusive relationship that turns someone’s home life into a nightmare.

Should you be snapping at your spouse? No, of course not, but I think most people would be lying if they said they hadn’t done it ever in their entire relationship. They probably feel shame for doing it, and it probably isn’t anyone’s favorite moment from the relationship, but because the overwhelming majority of the time together is a positive partnership there is still a strong bond and trust there that creates room to forgive the rare imperfect moments. When I read riders saying “we ALL have instances that we regret” this is the kind of moment I think of. Times where you’ve tried another kick or another pull in a situation where the horse didn’t understand what you wanted and instead needed you to take a step back and explain. Times where you’ve gone to your stick first instead of getting a lead or putting the horse on the lunge. Times where you’ve asked the horse to try to perform, only to later realize there was a physical issue making that performance difficult for them. Times that you regret, but in most cases have learned from, and if anything have contributed to the development of a pattern of behavior opposite to that moment. A better pattern of behavior that keeps the trust between you and your horse strong.

That is, as you say, wildly different from what we see here. There is a massive difference between those examples, and someone who is intentionally striking fear into the heart of their horse, and then once they have done so they are escalating or repeating that action. It is someone deliberately choosing to cause significant physical and mental pain. It is someone trying to ensure their horse always feels like the weaker partner, with no say over their own actions or what happens to them. It is someone who has no regard for what injuries or impediments they may be causing or exacerbating as long as they get their result.

That is not how most riders (or human beings) conduct themselves. Our community should feel no shame, and no fear, about sanctioning those people as severely as is necessary, because I strongly believe from my decades of experience that they do not represent us. And, as Eventing Nation says:

it’s exactly those of us inside it who have the greatest responsibility to protect the future of the thing we love

[DownYonder]

@Marigold

That is, as you say, wildly different from what we see here. There is a massive difference between those examples, and someone who is intentionally striking fear into the heart of their horse, and then once they have done so they are escalating or repeating that action. It is someone deliberately choosing to cause significant physical and mental pain. It is someone trying to ensure their horse always feels like the weaker partner, with no say over their own actions or what happens to them. It is someone who has no regard for what injuries or impediments they may be causing or exacerbating as long as they get their result.

Super post!

And I will add that it is someone who is so addicted to the endorphin kick they get from domination of another being that they let it dictate their actions to the point of escalation to actual physical abuse.

[Blugal]

@Jenerationx

A lot of people have been through tough childhoods, been mentally, physically, or sexually abused etc, and don’t go on to abuse any animals, children, or people. That’s a cop out. So no, I don’t have any pity for abusers. They need to be kept away from animals.

@173north

It does not resolve you of personal responsibility in 99% of cases - the “truly can’t be held responsible” tier of mental illness leads to inpatient treatment, not Burghley.

Someone above said words to the effect, “if you have mental health issues you wouldn’t be able to ride around Burghley.” I rebutted that with examples of top-level athletes that perform at the highest levels, and have done so with mental health issues. This was because I don’t think we should fall into categorizing those with mental health issues into black and white dichotomies, such as by falsely claiming they can’t ALSO function in other spheres of their lives. Mental health and illness is a very large spectrum.

A person who consistently mistreats animals may also have mental health issues or a mental disorder. They can be held responsible for those actions without painting all people with mental health issues with the same brush.

It feels a bit like some posters want to create a dichotomy of top level riders = can’t trust them not to abuse, and lower level riders = love their horses and would never do anything to hurt them. We all know that’s not accurate, and it doesn’t serve us to create these false categorizations when figuring out how to deal with these situations.

[Angela_Freda]

@peedin

I heard back from Alex Marshall at the NYT. S/he is a actually the culture reporter but s/he has passed my email to the sports desk person who covered CDJ.

I hope it’s not the person who covered the Barisone situation and seemed to favor LK in that mess.

[Mondo]

@Amberley

No-one is attacking FitzE,

But “tbh” you doubt their credentials.
And a “looooong” history of problems doesn’t make them “factually wrong.” They are 100% correct in their assessment that the actions demonstrated by AM on the videos and photos are against the USEF CoC and the USEF could, very easily, suspend or ban him or eject him from their ranks if they so chose. The idea that they don’t usually do that is proof of nothing.

[axl]

@anon6923113

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 normally like to reply until I’ve read the entire thread, but here is my question. If I’m reading everything right, USEA did not learn about this until last Saturday. (I think USEF and USEA acronyms are getting conflated on this thread). Why did USEF report this to the FEI and not inform anyone at USA Eventing if the published responses are true?

*Edit to correct USAE to USEA

[BrownDerby]

It is not. That was Sarah Maslin Nir.

[anon6923113]

@axl

I don’t normally like to reply until I’ve read the entire thread, but here is my question. If I’m reading everything right, USAE did not learn about this until last Saturday. (I think USEF and USAE acronyms are getting conflated on this thread). Why did USEF report this to the FEI and not inform anyone at USA Eventing if the published responses are true?

USA Eventing is part of USEF. USEA is the United States Evebting Association and is a separate organization. They are the organization who was not notified until last Friday night. The USEA Foundation (charitable arm of the organization) is who administers the International Developing Rider grant that he traveled to Burghley on.

It is not clear to me yet whether there is a definitive process/protocol for communication between USEF (USA Eventing specifically) and USEA (United States Eventing Association) when serious complaints and subsequent investigations like this arise.

Hope that makes sense

[DownYonder]

@axl

@anon6923113

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 normally like to reply until I’ve read the entire thread, but here is my question. If I’m reading everything right, USAE did not learn about this until last Saturday. (I think USEF and USAE acronyms are getting conflated on this thread). Why did USEF report this to the FEI and not inform anyone at USA Eventing if the published responses are true?

My assumption is that it isn’t in the USEF protocol to notify entities other than USEF. It would be interesting to know the reason WHY but I wonder if this is another area that USEF attorneys decided the best course of action legally is through FEI alone. Perhaps because USEF has no jurisdiction or control over USEA and didn’t want to muddy the waters for FEI by getting USEA involved?

[jvanrens]

@axl

@anon6923113

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 normally like to reply until I’ve read the entire thread, but here is my question. If I’m reading everything right, USAE did not learn about this until last Saturday. (I think USEF and USAE acronyms are getting conflated on this thread). Why did USEF report this to the FEI and not inform anyone at USA Eventing if the published responses are true?

USEF learned about this in May or June and kicked it down the road to FEI. Why they didn’t inform anyone else is everyones guess.

[Davignport]

Between this abuse with Andrew McConnon, the thread of CDJ and all the abuse listed there by various “trainers” my head feels like it just might explode. It seems everywhere you turn there is another nasty story about horse abuse. It is really disappointing when you find out (and no, I am not that naive) so many UL riders and others that we admired, are nothing more than low level abusers. I wish there were more stories of kind and patient trainers and stories like “this is how we got here and no abuse was involved”. I certainly hope things will be changing in the future. Even is SM is the reason as it appears the governing bodies cannot police their own. Kudos to the brave individuals who have the courage to come forward when nothing was being done. And to those in the industry that offered no help, shame on them.

[ake987]

Beware… this is gonna be a long one. I have read through the FEI’s Statutes, General Regulations, Internal Regulations and Tribunal regulations, in full. Some thoughts, notes, links, etc.:

The FEI Tribunal
The FEI Tribunal Committee is comprised of a chair, a deputy chair, seven members and three clerks.

• Chair / Mr José Alfonso RODRIGUEZ (MEX) / 2019 - 2027
• Deputy Chair / Mr Cesar TORRENTE (COL) / 2017 - 2025
• Member / Mr Phillip CORNEGÉ(NZL) / 2021 - 2025
• Member / Mr Armand LEONE (USA) / 2021 - 2025
• Member / Mr Brian WARD (CAN) / 2022 - 2026
• Member / Ms Diane PITTS (USA) / 2019 - 2026
• Member / Ms Harveen THAULI (CAN) / 2019 - 2027
• Member / Ms Yuri YAGI (JPN) / 2023 - 2027
• Member / Mr Agustin FATTAL JAEF (ARG) / 2023 - 2027
• Tribunal Clerk / Mr Gautier AUBERT (SUI)
• Tribunal Clerk / Ms Hilary FORDE (IRL)
• Tribunal Clerk / Mr Jaime CAMBRELENG (ESP)

The 2023 FEI Tribunal Activity Report provides data on the activities of the committee:

• Cases: 58 total cases handled (~5 cases/month)
• Hearings: 3
• Preliminary Decisions: 3
• Decisions in connection with an Appeal: 3
• Agreements submitted to FEI Tribunal for approval: 3

The Equestrian Community Integrity Unit (ECIU)
The Equestrian Community Integrity Unit (ECIU) supports the FEI in the investigation of any potential violation brought to their attention. For the purposes of such review, the ECIU may upon the FEI’s request and approval, conduct specific investigations and collaborate with relevant public authorities.

The role of the ECIU is to perform the following functions:

1. Review and/or investigate (if applicable) any alleged breaches of the FEI Codes of Conduct, FEI Code of Ethics, or any other FEI Rules and Regulations that are referred to the ECIU by the FEI; The ECIU is authorised to appoint third parties to conduct the investigation and/or assist them with conducting the investigation, subject to FEI’s prior approval.
2. May review and/or enquire regarding investigations conducted by the FEI and/or on behalf of the FEI and/or in cooperation with the FEI to ensure that they are reasonable, proportionate, and in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies of the FEI.
3. The ECIU must not disclose any confidential information to third-parties other than persons under appropriate burden of confidentiality and who are required to have the information in order to carry out the discussions regarding the investigation. In particular, the ECIU shall not communicate publicly on any investigation unless agreed by the FEI or required by law to do so.
4. If necessary, propose to the FEI specific expertise that may be needed in support of the investigation.
5. Provide an independent report to the FEI following an ECIU investigation, if requested by the FEI.
6. Report to the FEI President or their designee(s) and in accordance with Article 43.3 of the FEI Statutes if applicable; and
7. Provide a written Report to the FEI General Assembly on the activities of the ECIU.

• The ECIU was passed unanimously as a permanent entity in FEI Statutes in 2011

  • The ECIU is an Independent Body with its chairperson reporting directly to the FEI President or his or her designee(s).

• Per a May 2011 press release by the FEI:

  • Quest (now Monitor Quest), the company which ran the ECIU in its first year of operation, will continue to operate the Integrity Unit, ensuring its independence.
  • Monitor Quest is a risk advisory firm helping clients respond strategically and operationally to a range of integrity and security issues.

• Monitor Quest is now known (once again?) as Quest, and they offer both corporate and sport-specific services

• Baseline services of an Integrity Unit include and operate as follows:

  • Assessment: Preliminary assessment of report of if there is a case to answer.
  • Allocation: Analysis of report and allocation as applicable, either to relevant division of sports organisation, independent investigation or criminal authorities.
  • Investigation: If an investigation is undertaken, terms of reference are agreed with sports organisation and the investigation is carried out, and recommendations are made to the IF who has the authority and mandate to issue sanction.
  • Resolution: Close case and submit learnings to sports organisation.

• Per the FEI’s 2023 Financial Report

  • Expenses for the “Integrity Unit” (converted from Swiss Francs to USD)
    • 2022: $314,703 USD
    • 2023: $262,012 USD

• Article: FEI 2018 General Assembly to Discuss Integrity Unit Conduct and Contract

  • Following the recent scandal concerning the award-winning STS Safety Irons and the conduct of the Equestrian Community Integrity Unit, there is an urgent need for the FEI General Assembly to introduce a tender process for a new and independent integrity unit.
  • Brought into effect by the former FEI President Princess Haya, Quest Ltd was contracted to prevent a repeat of the 2008 FEI Dressage Committee scandal, whereby members abused their position and power, without accountability, giving rise to serious concerns of misconduct.
  • Of grave concern is the implication of the FEI and its appointed integrity unit in two matters related to equipment testing, which have been grievously prolonged by both parties with minimal regard for horse welfare and rider safety in FEI-level competition.
  • Comments:
    • “Quest Limited have had the contract for eight years and during that period may have formed friendships that could be affecting them to be impartial and perform their duties.”
    • “They may not want to investigate and upset the FEI President in fear of losing their contract.”
    • “Just another conspiracy and cover up.”
    • “Based on the information, they have not acted as an independent integrity unit and should be replaced.”
    • “If a horse is drug tested by the FEI laboratory and claims it was positive but then refuses to supply the test results and refuses to supply them to the ECIU if the rider complains, this is absurd and so is, the FEI not supplying the STS irons rider testing equipment reports.”
  • For the FEI to regain the trust and confidence of the equestrian world and the National Federations, the 2018 FEI General Assembly and stakeholders need to make urgent changes to ensure transparency and integrity are honoured by all members of the FEI. Further they should be compelled to answer all emails in a timely fashion to honour the FEI code of ethics.

Equine Ethics & Wellbeing Commission 2023 Report
Shared at the 2023 FEI General Assembly, this slide from the presentation just made me laugh:

Collective Thoughts

• The FEI Tribunal averaged just under 5 cases per month last year, there is no excuse for the lack of an interim decision or for two-week long lapses in communication
• The FEI spends over a quarter of a million dollars every year on an Integrity Unit that could be leveraged to investigate, even if the FEI Tribunal Committee Members are too busy with their small number of cases
• The Integrity Unit has come under scrutiny without resolution
• What a f*cking mess

[Jealoushe]

FEI has so much money it’s wild. The fact they still haven’t come out on this is pretty bad…when they have been pushing horse welfare and social licensing non stop.

How does Vittoria P from Italy get 4 years for missing a drug test and yet AM is still currently free to compete. Just crazy.

[DMK]

Yes, precisely. Thank you for taking the emotion out of it. @Mondo wondered who pissed in my cheerios, and as a person who is generally (very) direct but tactful, I missed the mark. As it turns out, one should stay away from the keyboard when one puts down their early retiree. Apparently everything but my tact was prepared for that (planned) decision.

But to both amberly and your point, this is not a new issue for USEF, and anyone wanting to be taken seriously on this issue would do well to take time to understand the history (legal and otherwise), especially one that has had the contentious past this one has had.

Because of that history, I damn sure want the first case that USEF takes on to be a stone cold, iron clad victory. AHSA really suffered even in their minor victories and no one needs another glefke debacle. It needs to be done right, it needs to withstand a challenge in the courts and it needs to be decisive. Anything else will be sending the worst possible message to the worst possible offenders, many of whom have deep pocket backers to bring legal challenges that can financially endanger the NGB.

[axl]

Thanks VHM, I did understand that already (no snark intended) but I find it really incomprehensible that they would push everything up to the FEI and not tell anyone at USEA.

I did correct my former post which said USAE. Pretty bad form to call people out on getting the acronyms confused and then do it myself!

[Bonnie2]

USEA is one of many organizations which are members of the USEF. Guessing no one thought to send the information down the ladder to the USEA. May have also felt the lid would stay on longer if fewer people knew. All speculation!

[DMK]

I’m guessing that the ball was dropped, probably due to it being a bit of a new process for everyone. USEA is the NGB affiliate so it should know about pending actions against members. I’m not certain how much authority it has to do anything about it as it relates to any punishment. All its rules are promulgated through USEF and refer back to the USEF general rules for things not relating to competition criteria (except points /awards, which are in the GR section), so it would have to be referred to USEf no matter what. But it’s just a good practice to keep your affiliates in the know about these things.