The FEI Tribunal has issued its final decision in a horse abuse case involving the Australian dressage and eventing athlete Heath Ryan.
“The FEI had launched an investigation into the actions of Ryan, following allegations of horse abuse reported to the FEI and Equestrian Australia, as well as the posting of a video on social media showing abusive training techniques,” reads the FEI statement released on 28 August.
“The FEI Tribunal concluded that Ryan engaged in horse abuse pursuant to Article 142.1 of the FEI General Regulations, bringing both the FEI and equestrian sport into disrepute.
“He has furthermore breached the FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse pursuant to Article 164.12(i) of the FEI General Regulations.”
The FEI Tribunal has suspended Ryan for a period of eighteen months, starting from the date of the provisional suspension (12 June 2025). The suspension will end on 12 December 2026.
Ryan has also been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 3,000 ($5,000 AUD) and a contribution of CHF 3,000 ($5,000 AUD) towards the FEI’s legal costs.
The full decision is available on this page.
Source: FEI press release
