Jumping athlete found guilty of horse abuse
FEI’s Secretary General, Sabrina Ibáñez said that given the severity of the incident she “truly would have expected a much tougher sanction”. (Stock photo)
An Irish jumping athlete found guilty of horse abuse has been fined and suspended for four months, the FEI Tribunal has confirmed.
Kevin Thornton was found guilty of abusing the horse, Flogas Sunset Cruise, which died on 10 October at Cagnes-sur-Mer.
In its findings, the FEI Tribunal said the athlete’s behaviour ‘went way beyond what could be considered an acceptable conduct towards a horse’ and concluded ‘with confidence that the horse had been whipped repeatedly, substantially and excessively and clearly more than the three times alleged by Mr Thornton.’
Mr Thornton was handed a four-month suspension from the date of the decision (6 June) and a fine of CHF 5,000 (approximately £4,038).
FEI’s Secretary General, Sabrina Ibáñez said that given the severity of the incident she “truly would have expected a much tougher sanction”. The FEI had requested a two-year suspension but Ms Ibáñez said the level of sanction is at the discretion of the tribunal, and FEI respects its independence.
An autopsy failed to confirm the cause of the horse’s death and, therefore, the tribunal clarified that it was ‘not deciding on the potential responsibility of Mr Thornton for the tragic death of the horse.’
In its testimony the FEI stated: ‘Even if the horse had survived, a case of horse abuse would still have been opened by the FEI’.
The tribunal’s decision can be appealed within 21 days.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
