People Attempting to Undermine Safe Sport

[Jersey_Fresh]

I think its like anything else, there is always going to be a flaw in the system. But I can say out of the 3 local people I know that are on the list, only one sort of surprises me (but not really if that makes sense). And the trainer I rode with in college who is also on the list? The only surprising thing to me is how long he stayed married. His thing with minor girls was pretty damn publicly known and while it cost him his job at one point, it didn’t affect his career in anyway until SS

There is far more victim blaming and denial of inappropriate behavior than false allegations done in spite.

[Knights_Mom]

I think H/J like gymnastics and skating attracts a lot of younger competitors as opposed to dressage. My guess is that’s why there are more instances of abuse there. Of course dressage has its ickies but not in the same numbers.

[Calvincrowe]

Oh, I agree that there are real accusations, but as time has passed, I am seeing petty accusations being flung that are not actual Safesport violations. I am hearing folks saying “oh, so and so had/has a SS report on them!” when none has been made. Reputations are being besmirched unfairly. I believe in SS and its mission. However, I do think there needs to be some caution and analytical thinking by us in our industry when the rumor mill cranks up.

[Jersey_Fresh]

I mean gossip is a core part of the HJ culture, I’m not sure I’d believe every rumor without verification. It takes a lot more than someone making an accusation to get on that list… im not sure why people believe otherwise. If it was, USEF/SS would be setting themselves up for being sued.

My comments regarding the ones I know are because they are actually on the list, and watching their behavior they absolutely deserve to be.

[vxf111]

It’s nothing new that people make false reports to authorities and start rumors. If not SS to CPS or a governing body or a school board or whatever.

[LexInVA]

International show-jumper Zoubair Bennani has been temporarily suspended by Safesport. No further information at this time. He had a long-standing training business in Louisiana, North Carolina, and Florida and was recently partnered with Lisa Apted, whom he is now in a contentious legal battle against.

[Jealoushe]

I also think the H/J show set up of staying for weeks and showing that long is a breeding ground for relationships/grooming to happen and form. Eventers are usually a one or two day affair at most, and most are shipping themselves, not tied to their trainer.

[beechnut]

It is shocking that it has taken this long for an allegation to emerge about Brian Gruber. There’s a very long history there and the thought of him continuing to coach children is horrifying.

[LexInVA]

Blake Gardiner, of Sandhaven Farm and Rockridge Equine Rest & Retirement, in California, has been sanctioned for allegations of misconduct, with no contact restrictions and a temporary suspension. No further information at this time.

[LovesHorses]

Oooof. I know him. That’s a total bummer.

[ilovetheadd27]

Anyone know the status of the Rich Fellers trial? Supposed to begin this month I thought?

[Virginia_Horse_Mom]

I’ve been wondering the same thing. I have no news to share about that trial though.

[LexInVA]

@ilovetheadd27

Anyone know the status of the Rich Fellers trial? Supposed to begin this month I thought?

It got a Continuance and will be headed to trial in the middle of December, unless RF pleas guilty before the scheduled court date.

[LexInVA]

Phillip Fountain, of Bluestem Equestrian in Kentucky, has been temporarily suspended by Safe Sport, though the listing is improper, because he was arrested by the KY State Police for distribution of child pornography, so it should read differently.

[SolarFlare]

Some Canadian SafeSport-related news:

Gymnastics Canada CEO promoted coach with several complaints: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/gymnastics-canada-promote-coach-despite-alleged-behaviour-1.6639395?fbclid=IwAR1eZXm_QDmslMA9qiu5TiysXIU47KGDRBpqlYFuZuCTqi1zU9e3vTQPorM

If you’re following the Hockey Canada fiasco, the entire Board of Directors finally resigned and the Cromwell report was released (former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada’s investigation). Summary: https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hockey-canada-lawsuit-more-oversight-accountability-1.6640941

(If you’re not familiar with the Hockey Canada gong show, it was recently revealed that HC had paid out millions in settlements for sexual assault allegations over a number of years, using TWO funds that they created using membership fees, and then covered it all up. A number of accused players are currently playing in the NHL, although names haven’t been released. At least one investigation has been reopened, which involved members of a past World Juniors team accused of sexually assaulting a female non-player).

[SolarFlare]

Follow up article with additional information on Gymnastics Canada’s coverup: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/gymnastics-canada-2018-investigation-1.6645119?fbclid=IwAR0S8ZBxq-s1XddZBdtnIOjUrJovTpFpRcK9a1SZZIkboxpyomAqKt5YtuM

[Night_Flight]

I don’t know if there has been any SafeSport sanction yet, but Canadian trainer Francis Berger of South Shore Farm appeared in court this week on charges of sexual assault, sexual touching, and invitation to sexual touching, from 2004 to 2022 with at least two victims.

All the articles are in French, but one of them noted that he was leaving for Florida this week. This article says that they are looking for additional victims.

Des victimes potentielles d’un agresseur sexuel recherchées

[LexInVA]

The only recent Safesport activity for Equestrian, was today’s correction of Phillip Fountain’s listing, due to his criminal charges for child pornography.

[JanM]

Since he’s coming into the U.S., he should be stopped at the border from coming in after the court appearance. I wonder if anyone told the customs/border people about the charges?

[LexInVA]

@JanM

Since he’s coming into the U.S., he should be stopped at the border from coming in after the court appearance. I wonder if anyone told the customs/border people about the charges?

USCBP has access to the Canadian criminal records system, so they would flag him as a known criminal/potential criminal at the border and he would be denied entry, unless he was somehow granted an entry waiver beforehand.