The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has announced its full support for the FEI Tribunal’s decision to suspend Cesar Parra for 15 years due to serious violations of horse welfare standards. The suspension, which took effect provisionally on February 2, 2024, will remain in place until February 1, 2039. In addition to the suspension, Parra has been fined CHF 15,000 and ordered to pay CHF 10,000 in legal costs.
At the time USEF received complaints regarding Parra in early 2024, the organization’s rules did not permit action on welfare violations that occurred outside of sanctioned competitions. As a result, the case was referred to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), which had the regulatory authority to investigate incidents beyond competition grounds.
Since then, the USEF Board of Directors has passed rule GR838, expanding the Federation’s jurisdiction to address unethical treatment of horses, whether it occurs during or outside of official events.
“We have taken important steps to strengthen our rules so that we can address conduct that endangers horse welfare, no matter where it occurs,” said Bill Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of US Equestrian. “Parra’s documented and repeated behavior has no place in our sport, and we are committed to enforcing the FEI Tribunal’s ruling. We are grateful to the FEI for its thorough investigation and commitment to upholding horse welfare.”
