US Equestrian Working With FEI to Investigate “Appalling and Abhorrent” Training Video of Cesar Parra

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United States Equestrian said Thursday it is working with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to investigate what it described as “appalling and abhorrent” training video of American competitor and trainer Cesar Parra.

The compilation of several instances of Cesar Parra shown repeated whipping of horses and other aspects was displayed on  the Internet earlier Thursday.

“We are aware of the appalling and abhorrent training video posted earlier today,” USEF said in a statement.

“We have notified the FEI and are working with them to initiate the investigation into this serious matter.

“USEF stands strongly against training methods which are abusive to horses.  For more information on reporting equine abuse, and the role of USEF in preventing equine abuse, go to USEF.org.”

Cesar Parra operates training centers in New Jersey and Florida.

The 59-year-old rider competed for Colombia competing at the 1999 and 2003 Pan American Games, the 2004 Olympics, the 2002 and 2006 World Equestrian Games and the 2005 World Cup Final. He switched to ride for the United States in late 2008 and rode on the U.S. gold medal team at the Pan American Games at Guadalajara, Mexico in 2011.

Cesar Parra riding at the US Developing Prix St. Georges Championships in 2015. © Ken Braddick/DRESSAGE-NEWS.com

He was charged with alleged horse abuse in a New Jersey court in 2015, but was acquitted.