A 15-year suspension has been imposed against Dressage athlete Cesar Parra (USA) (FEI ID: 10000031) for actions violating the principles of horse welfare. Parra has also been fined CHF 15,000 and ordered to pay CHF 10,000 in legal costs.
A prominent figure in international equestrian sport, Parra has competed at the top level since 1998. He represented his native Colombia at the Pan American Games in 1999, the Olympic Games in Athens 2004, the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2002 and 2006, and the FEI World Cup™ Final in 2005. After switching nationalities in 2008, Parra went on to compete for the United States at the Pan American Games in 2011 and the FEI World Cup™ Final in 2014.
Parra has been provisionally suspended since 2 February 2024, when he was notified that he was under FEI investigation following reports of horse abuse submitted to US Equestrian.
US Equestrian had received multiple allegations along with numerous videos and photographs showing Parra engaging in abusive behaviour and training methods involving several horses.
The FEI, in coordination with US Equestrian, launched an immediate investigation into the allegations that Parra had repeatedly and deliberately subjected the majority, if not all, of the horses he owned and trained to recurring and serious abuse over a number of years.
The investigation involved a thorough review of extensive video and photographic material, as well as multiple witness statements.
On 22 May 2024, the FEI initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against Parra, bringing forward three charges: i) abuse of horse; ii) conduct that brings the FEI and/or equestrian sport and the FEI into disrepute; iii) breach of the FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse.
“This case is deeply unsettling, not only because of the recurring nature of the abuse, but also because of the number of horses affected,” FEI Legal Director Mikael Rentsch said.
“That such behaviour came from a top-level athlete makes it all the more troubling. Our athletes are expected to represent and uphold the highest standards of horsemanship. Horse welfare is the foundation, not an add-on, of equestrian sport.
“The investigation demanded significant time and resources due to the volume and complexity of the evidence, which had to be meticulously verified. The 15-year suspension sends a clear message that regardless of profile or position, those who violate the principles of horse welfare will face serious consequences.”
Parra is banned from taking part in any competition or event, or in any related activity under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any National Federation. He is also prohibited from training any FEI registered Athletes and/or FEI registered Horses. The provisional suspension already served will count towards the 15-year sanction, which will end on 1 February 2039.
The full reasoned decision will be published here in due course. Parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the full decision.
Source: FEI press release
