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Full details released of rider’s continued electric spur abuse after 10-year ban *H&H Plus*

Eleanor Jones Eleanor Jones

    • The FEI Tribunal has now released its full decision on the hearing into Andy Kocher’s electric spur use, for which the US rider was banned for 10 years. H&H finds out what the witnesses, rider and FEI said, and the panel’s verdict

    THE FEI has released the full details of US rider Andy Kocher’s “pre-planned, deliberate, intentional, methodical and continued abuse of horses” by using electric spurs.

    H&H has reported on the FEI investigation into the rider, who has represented the US at the World Cup and Nations Cup finals. The FEI announced in April that Kocher had been banned for 10 years, and for using the spurs on numerous horses in training and competition.

    The details of the Tribunal hearing have now been released. It lasted three days and featured testimonies from a number of witnesses.

    The panel heard that a witness reported Kocher’s use of the spurs to the Equestrian Community Integrity Unit (ECIU) last May, and that a French publication ran an article stating that Kocher was suspected of using electric spurs.

    The FEI was then sent numerous pictures and videos of Kocher at shows, and an investigation was launched. Kocher denied using electric spurs throughout the case.

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    Eleanor Jones
    Eleanor Jones

    H&H news editor
    Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
    Eleanor Jones