American Cesar Parra, 62, has been caught on film where he, among other things, whips the horses, as well as in pictures where he has tied their legs, reports several media outlets. The material was spread on social media in February last year and FEI, the international equestrian federation, initiated an investigation, according to DN.
Now the verdict has fallen: in addition to the 15-year ban from participating in competitions and events of FEI and other national equestrian federations, he is also prohibited from training horses and riders who are registered with FEI.
"This case is deeply disturbing, not only because of the recurring nature of the abuse, but also because of the number of horses that have been affected", says FEI's legal director Mikael Rentsch in a press release.
Parra has competed for Colombia and participated in the Olympic Games 2004 and World Championship 2002 and 2006. Since 2008, he has competed for the USA.
The decision can be appealed to the sports arbitration court Cas, which needs to be done within three weeks.
