The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Tribunal has issued its final decision on the case opened last November against Irish jumping athlete Kevin Thornton for alleged abuse of the horse Flogas Sunset Cruise, who died at Cagnes-sur-Mer, in France, on Oct. 10, 2016.

The FEI opened the case against Thornton in accordance with Articles 142 and 163 of the FEI General Regulations. Article 169.6.2 of the FEI General Regulations (page 41) states that sanctions for abuse of horses in any form can entail a fine of up to CHF 15,000 and/or a suspension of a minimum of three months to life.

The FEI Tribunal found Thornton guilty of horse abuse and has suspended him for four months from the date of the decision (June 6), and imposed a fine of CHF 5,000 and costs of CHF 5,000.

In its findings, the FEI Tribunal determined that the athlete’s behavior "went way beyond what could be considered an acceptable conduct towards a horse." It further concluded "with confidence that the horse has been whipped repeatedly, substantially, and excessively, and clearly more than the three times alleged by Mr Thornton