Andrew McConnon Is Second American Suspended by FEI for Horse Abuse This Year

American eventer Andrew McConnon has been suspended for 20 months and fined CHF 2,500 by the FEI Tribunal for horse abuse. McConnon is the second international competitor to be suspended by the FEI this year for abusing horses, both are American.

McConnon was provisionally suspended on January 8th after disciplinary proceedings were opened by the FEI following allegations of abuse involving numerous horses. The allegations were first brought to light by an anonymous report submitted to the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) that included materials showing abusive behaviors. USEF referred the matter to the FEI after determining the federation did not have jurisdiction over the matter.

In its decision, the FEI Tribunal found McConnon “to have engaged in abuse of horse as well as in a conduct that has brought the FEI and equestrian sport into disrepute thereby violating Article 142.1 (Abuse of Horse) in conjunction with Article 164.11 (Offences) of the FEI General Regulations. McConnon was further found to have breached the FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse by those same actions.”

Athletes under suspension are banned from taking part in any competition, event, or related activity under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any National Federation and from training any athletes or horses registered to such.

McConnon can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of the full decision.

The eventer is the second American to be sanctioned by the FEI for horse abuse in 2025. Earlier this year, dressage rider Cesar Parra was suspended for 15-years and fined CHF 15,000 plus legal costs of CHF 10,000 for “recurring and serious abuse” of multiple horses over several years. His suspension, currently under appeal, is the longest ever for a dressage athlete.

McConnon’s suspension will end on September 8, 2026.