The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in a horse abuse case involving the Australian dressage and eventing athlete Heath Ryan.
The FEI had launched an investigation into the actions of Ryan, following allegations of horse abuse reported to the FEI and Equestrian Australia, as well as the posting of a video on social media showing abusive training techniques.
The FEI Tribunal concluded that Ryan engaged in horse abuse pursuant to Article 142.1 of the FEI General Regulations, bringing both the FEI and equestrian sport into disrepute. He has furthermore breached the FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse pursuant to Article 164.12(i) of the FEI General Regulations. In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal suspends Ryan for a period of eighteen (18) months, starting as of the date of the Provisional Suspension imposed on him on 12 June 2025. Consequently, his suspension will end on 12 December 2026. Ryan is also ordered to pay a fine of CHF 3,000 and a contribution of CHF 3,000 towards the FEI’s legal costs.
The full decision is available HERE.
According to FEI General Regulations art.164.6 Suspension (a) During the period of a suspension the person, horse and/or body suspended may take no part in any competition or event and/or in any activities related to any competition or event, as an athlete, support personnel, horse and/or official or in the organisation of, any competition or event under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any competition or event under the jurisdiction of an NF in accordance with the statutes or in any FEI- and/or NF-related activity (e.g. FEI courses, meetings, General Assembly etc.). For the avoidance of any doubt, training FEI athletes and/or FEI horses (whether at FEI Events or anywhere else) is to be considered as an FEI-related activity. Persons are entitled to train their own horses at their own facilities or at private facilities (i.e. not linked to any FEI or national events/trainings’ facilities).
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