FEI Launches Horse Abuse Investigation into Heath Ryan - Parra and Strasser Cases Still Pending

Dressage

FEI

-- FEI press release

The FEI has opened an investigation into the actions of Australian equestrian athlete Heath 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.

Equestrian Australia and the FEI have imposed a provisional suspension against Heath Ryan. The FEI suspension is reflected in the FEI Database here.

The investigation will be led by the FEI, in close cooperation with Equestrian Australia.

“The scenes depicted are profoundly disturbing and stand in stark opposition to the core values of FEI horse welfare,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said.

“The FEI has opened an investigation to thoroughly examine all the facts and determine further disciplinary action under the FEI Rules and Regulations. We are committed to ensuring that any behaviour which puts horse welfare at risk is dealt with firmly and fairly.”

Equestrian Australia CEO Sam Jones said she welcomed the FEI’s investigation.

“It is both appropriate and welcome that FEI leads the investigation of this matter,” Jones said. “Equestrian Australia remains extremely concerned about the incident and allegations, and we will support the FEI in any way we can. We know our community is keen for answers, but we would ask for patience as the FEI rightly follows a thorough and fair process, in line with their policies and procedures.”

The FEI invites anyone who witnessed the incident or who possesses relevant information or evidence to contact the FEI via email at welfare@fei.org.

The FEI will provide no further comment while the investigation is ongoing in order to protect the integrity of the process.

Parra and Strasser Case Pending

At the start of June Eurodresssage inquired with the FEI about the Cesar Parra and Evi/Tanya Strasser alleged abuse and misconduct cases, which have been pending for 1.5 years.

According to Dressage-News, Colombian born American Cesar Parra had his hearing in front of the FEI Tribunal on 11 - 12 March 2025. On 1 May Dressage-News stated that a decision would come any day now. On 19 June 2025 a decision still has not been posted by the FEI.

"The FEI Tribunal is independent and we are not aware on when they will make their decision on Cesar Parra public. The decision will be published as soon as possible but the FEI cannot commit to a timeline," an FEI spokesperson told Eurodressage on 2 June 2025.

Concerning the Strasser case, the FEI spokesperson told Eurodressage, "The Order on Provisional Measures by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) from 15 May 2024, which had lifted the provisional suspensions on Evi Strasser and Tanya Strasser, pending the Appeal Before CAS, was annulled on 12 November 2024. As a result, the provisional suspensions were automatically reinstated. However, Evi Strasser and Tanya Strasser have lodged another appeal with CAS and have requested the lifting of their Provisional Suspension. The matter is still pending and the FEI will not comment further at this stage."