Germany wants longer ban for Ahlmann

The German riding federation wants a longer ban for rider Christian Ahlmann, who has been suspended for four months after his horse tested positive for a banned medication during the Olympics.

The four-month ban handed down by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) was “too mild,'' the German riding union (FN) said Thursday.

The German body said it would take the case to CAS, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and seek a longer ban.

“The punishment is not in accordance with the code of the World Anti-Doping Agency and the regulations of FN,'' FN general secretary Hanfried Haring said.

The German federation will not nominate Ahlmann for any events over the next two years, he said.

The FEI said that the 33-year-old rider's evidence at a hearing indicated “severe negligence'' in applying a banned medication to his horse, Coster.

It tested positive for capsaicin, a banned pain relief medication derived from chili peppers.

Ahlmann's ban runs through Dec. 18 after taking effect on the day he was provisionally suspended from the Games.

He came through qualifying in the individual jumping class but was prevented from taking part in the final, which was held in Hong Kong.

Germany will be downgraded from its fifth-place finish in the team jumping class after Ahlmann's scores are wiped from the record.

The governing body ordered Ahlmann to pay 3,500 Swiss francs ($3,000) as a fine and legal costs.

The German Olympic committee said it would bill Ahlmann for transport and accommodation costs incurred by him and his horse at the Olympics.