The FEI Legal Department has formally notified the US athlete Andy Kocher on 29 June 2020 that an investigation has been opened following allegations of him using electric spurs reported to the Equestrian Community Integrity Unit (ECIU). The athlete has been offered the opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The FEI absolutely condemns any form of horse abuse, and specifically legislates against the use of any electrical device with a live electric current on a horse. The FEI General Regulations (GRs) state that subjecting a horse to any kind of electric shock device is considered as horse abuse. Article 142 of the GRs state: No person may abuse a Horse during an Event or at any other time. “Abuse” means an action or omission which causes or is likely to cause pain or unnecessary discomfort to a Horse, including, but not limited to:
(ii) To subject a Horse to any kind of electric shock device;