USEF Promises “Highest Degree” of Disciplinary Action Against Cesar Parra
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Feb. 13, 2024
The United States Equestrian Federation said Tuesday it “will pursue disciplinary action to the highest degree” against American dressage trainer Cesar Parra.
Breaking what had been almost two weeks of silence on Parra, based in Jupiter, Florida, the USEF issued a statement under the names of Thomas F.X. O’Mara, President, and William J. Moroney, Chief Executive Officer, that said:
“We would like to take a moment to address the recently published videos and accusations of abuse levied against U.S.-based international dressage athlete Cesar Parra. The images and videos are disturbing and show a complete disregard for horse welfare and are in no way aligned with our values and beliefs as the stewards of horse sport in the United States.
“Parra has been temporarily suspended by the FEI while they actively investigate the matter. USEF is enforcing the suspension and supporting that investigation. To ensure the integrity of the investigation, we are unable to disclose further details, but we want to be absolutely clear–we are documenting these violations and will pursue disciplinary action to the highest degree in partnership with the FEI.
“It is imperative that as a community we continue to hold each other accountable and speak up when we see something that endangers the integrity of our sport, the health and welfare of our horses, and/or the well-being of our athletes and members. If you have witnessed horse-related abuse, please contact USEF by texting what you saw to 2USEF (28733) or by emailing generalcounsel@usef.org. As a reminder, if you witnessed or have knowledge of sexual abuse, it must be reported to law enforcement and the U.S. Center for SafeSport.”
While the power of the U.S. Equestrian Federation to investigate horse abuse is limited by its own rules, no rule prevents it from dealing with sexual abuse of humans as has been reported by some riders and grooms associated with Parra.
The rule limiting the ability of the federation to pursue cases of horse abuse outside of competition venues is up for review in June.
However, the USEF has imposed disciplinary action involving alleged human abuse.
The federation provisionally barred George H. Morris, a former Olympic team coach, in August 2019, four months before the Congressionally-mandated Center for SafeSport permanently barred him from the sport after an investigation into “sexual misconduct involving a minor.”
Some former employees and students have reported on Dressage-News.com’s Facebook page allegations of sexual abuse by Parra.
The case has spilled over into Europe with two horse dealers suspended by the German federation.
