Canadians Evi Strasser, Daughter Tanya Strasser-Shostak Suspended by FEI for Alleged Abuse of “Several” Horses
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Nov. 19, 2024
Canadian dressage riders Evi Strasser and her daughter, Tanya Strasser-Shostak, have been suspended by the FEI–International Equestrian Federation–for alleged abuse of “several” horses.
The suspensions effective Nov. 12 were reported on the official FEI Internet site while investigations are conducted into the allegations.
Evi, aged 60, was on Canada’s Olympic team at Atlanta in 1996, the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany in 2006, in four World Cup Finals and the silver medal Pan American Games team in 2003.
The 29-year-old Tanya has been successful in youth and young horse championships–competing in five North American Youth Championships and world young horse championships in 2023 and 2024.
Both have competed extensively in Europe.
Evi’s last competition before the suspension was in Toronto early in November while Tanya rode at the World Cup qualifier in Mexico a month ago and at this early stage in North America was tied for second place.
These are the latest in a series of disciplinary actions against internationally prominent dressage riders and trainers.
Andreas Helgstrand, a two-time Olympian, and Tokyo Olympic rider Carina Cassøe Krüth were both suspended by the Danish federation following allegations of abuse.
Olympic gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain was suspended shortly before the Paris Olympics this summer.
Cesar Parra, who competed at the 2004 Olympics and the 2002 and 2006 World Games for his native Colombia, and at the 2011 Pan Ams and the 2014 World Cup Final for the United States was suspended almost 10 months ago.
No decisions have yet been made by the FEI on the length of suspensions in both cases.
