Cesar Parra Suspended for Horse Abuse Allegations
Horse Sport reported on February 5, 2024 that Olympian Cesar Parra, a member of the U.S. dressage team at the 2011 Pan Am Games, has been provisionally suspended by the FEI following the emergence of videos depicting abusive training practices, including whipping horses, use of restrictive pulley systems, and cruel tack accessories. The FEI emphasized its commitment to equine welfare and stated that any actions causing pain or discomfort to horses violate their rules. This is not the first time Parra has faced scrutiny; in 2012, he was cleared of animal cruelty charges related to an incident at his New Jersey training center. The FEI is collaborating with the US Equestrian Federation (USEF). USEF will recognize any sanctions imposed by the FEI.