Cesar Parra Horse Abuse Hearing by FEI Set for Next 2 Days
2 weeks ago StraightArrow Comments Off on Cesar Parra Horse Abuse Hearing by FEI Set for Next 2 Days
By KENNETH J. BRADDICK
Mar. 11, 2025
A hearing by the International Equestrian Federation into alleged abuse of several horses by Cesar Parra begins Tuesday, more than a year after the rider who competed at championships for both the United States and his native Colombia was provisionally suspended.
The hearing scheduled for two days comes after Parra two months ago cited a health issue to delay an appearance before the FEI. He most recently has been based at his farm in Jupiter, Florida about 30 miles/48km north of Wellington. The farm is for sale for an asking price of $4 million.
The hearing will be held behind closed doors and includes evidence from several witnesses. The FEI is reported to have interviewed numerous witnesses since the suspension was imposed Feb. 2, 2024. The interviews were by closed Internet link to the FEI headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The governing body of international sport is reported to be seeking to make its case as ironclad as possible to withstand a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Allegations of Parra’s behavior have been widespread for two decades.
However, no action was taken by any organization involved in horse sports until a lengthy compilation of videos was sent to the FEI, the U.S. federation and others by Adam Steffens and Sven Smienk. Sven, who rides as a Canadian, had worked for Parra.
The U.S. federation said it was prevented from pursuing action outside competition venues until it’s rule was changed last December. It did, however, go along with the FEI’s provisional suspension and said it would follow the final decision. The Congressionally-mandated U.S. Center for Safe Sport that is also reported to have received complaints also has not taken any action as of this date.
Germany suspended two dealers involved in providing and and being involved in training horses with Parra within days of the videos becoming public.
Parra competed at the 2004 Olympics, the 2002 and 2006 World Equestrian Games and 2005 World Cup Final for his native Colombia.
He switched to ride for the United States in 2008 and was selected for the American team at the 2011 Pan American Games and the 2014 World Cup Final.
