FEI Decides “No Further Actions” Over Alleged Bias by Canadian 5* Judge Elizabeth McMullen

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Karen Pavicic on Don Daiquiri in Europe after failing to earn a start for Canada at the Olympics Games. © 2016 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com
Karen Pavicic on Don Daiquiri in Europe after failing to earn a start at the Olympics Games. © 2016 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Oct. 14, 2016–The FEI — International Equestrian Federation — reported Friday that “no further actions” will be taken over alleged bias by Canadian 5* Judge Elizabeth McMullen during the final competition at home to select two riders to go to the Olympic Games.

“After careful consideration by the FEI Dressage Committee, and then by FEI headquarters–which was tasked by the committee to follow up in a fair and thorough manner–it was decided that no further actions are necessary and this matter is now considered closed,” a FEI spokesperson said.

Elizabeth McMullen, who is 69 years old and a year from mandatory retirement unless the rule is altered or she is given an extension, was alleged to have made remarks at the Cedar Valley show in mid-June about Karen Pavicic of Surrey, British Colmbia and Don Daiquiri,.

Karen and her 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding that she competed on theCanadian team at the 2014 World Games, were in second place behind Belinda Trussell and Anton for two places awarded Canada at the Rio de Janeiro Games.

However, Megan Lane and Caravella, also on the 2014 world championship team as well as the 2015 Pan American Games silver medal team, scored high enough at Cedar Valley to move into second place in the Olympic standings behind Belinda and Anton.

Neither Belinda Trussell, who had a big lead in the standings, nor Karen competed at Cedar Valley.

Karen then flew with Don Daiquiri to Europe to compete in a final show before the Canadian selection deadline, at Fritzens. Austria.

The duo was unsuccessful.

The FEI in July said that it had informed Equestrian Canada and Karen Pavicic that “based on the available evidence and judging analysis,” the Dressage Committee decided, “that the results of the CDI3* Cedar Valley will stand.”

“The Committee also tasked FEI headquarters to follow up on this matter in a fair and thorough manner, looking into any remaining allegations,” a spokesperson said. “This follow up is currently ongoing, with due process being followed.”

Equestrian Canada named Belinda Trussell and Anton and Megan Lane and Caravella to the two starting places at Rio de Janeiro in August.

Elizabeth McMullen has been appointed by the FEI to be the dressage technical delegate at the 2016 World Cup Final in Omaha, Nebraska next March.