The Judicial Committee considered the case involving the horse Beneton and rider McLain Ward (USA) who took part in the CHIO at Aachen in June of this year.

The Committee fully considered written and oral evidence provided prior to and during the hearing. The Committee concluded that, based on the evidence, two pointed plastic chips were found during the routine bandage/boot control in the right front boot of Beneton.

While there was no indication from the control performed by a veterinarian, that the horse had sustained injury to the leg, the pointed chips may have caused pain or unnecessary discomfort to the horse thus constituting an abuse of horse.

The Judicial Committee decided to suspend McLain Ward (USA) for a period of 8 months and to impose a fine of CHF 2,500 and a contribution to the costs of the judicial procedure of CHF 5,000.