U.S. showjumper Michael Morrissey has been suspended for three months and fined for excessively striking a horse during a show-jumping competition in Wellington Florida, this past February.

Charges were laid by the USEF after the video of the incident (below) was posted online. The video caused an uproar at the time, with many viewers wondering why show officials did not intervene.

Michael Morrissey video:

From the USEF:

This is official notice of actions taken by the United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. Hearing Committee on May 6, 2010.

The Committee Members present received and accepted a plea agreement tendered pursuant to Chapter 6, GR617 in that in connection with the 2010 WEF 7 Competition held on February 24-28, 2010, MICHAEL MORRISSEY violated Chapter 7, GR702.1d in that he was observed excessively striking, with a crop, the horse Crelido, during Class 101, the USEF WEG Selection Trial #2.

This conduct constitutes a breach of the USEF Code of Conduct. Pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1b and GR703.1f

MICHAEL MORRISSEY shall be suspended from membership, be found not in good standing and forbidden from the privilege of taking any part whatsoever in any Licensed Competition for three months, and is excluded from all competition grounds during Licensed Competitions for that period: (1) as an exhibitor, participant or spectator; (2) from participating in all Federation affairs and activities, (3) from holding or exercising office in the Federation or in any Licensed Competition; and (4) from attending, observing or participating in any event, forum, meeting, program, clinic, task force, or committee of the Federation, sponsored by or conducted by the Federation, or held in connection with the Federation and any of its activities.

The three month suspension shall commence on May 6, 2010 and terminate at midnight on August 4, 2010. Any horse or horses, completely or in part owned, leased, or of any partnership, corporation or stable of his, or shown in his name or for his reputation, (whether such interest was held at the time of the alleged violation or acquired thereafter), shall also be suspended pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1c for the same time period.

The Hearing Committee further directed that MICHAEL MORRISSEY be fined $3,000 pursuant to
Chapter 7, GR703.1j.
Compiled by Regulation