Alleged abuse case sidestepped by International & USA Federations

WELLINGTON, Florida, Jan. 29, 2019–A decision by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and considered appropriate by the U.S. Equestrian Federation to not become involved in one of the first alleged incidents of violence at a horse show after America’s Safe Sport Act was signed into law has thrust dressage judges into the unfamiliar role of dealing with violent actions that occur on show grounds.

Three international judges and the chief steward of the 2018 Global Dressage Festival Nations Cup week in Wellington, Florida in March appealed to the FEI to investigate and act after a Canadian competitor was allegedly assaulted by an American trainer in the dressage stables at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center’s Stadium complex.

A copy of the complaint sent to the FEI and the USEF was signed by Garry Rockwell, an American, FEI 5* judge and president of the ground jury; Isabelle Judet of France, also a 5* judge and the “foreign judge;” Cesar Torrente, of Colombia, a 4* judge as well as an attorney who is a member of the FEI Tribunal that performs as the organization’s court, and Elisabeth Williams of the U.S., chief steward at the event.

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Article written by: KENNETH J. BRADDICK