Michael Morrissey suspended for 3 months

A video of Morrissey at a two-star CSI event in Wellington, Florida, in February, showed the rider striking Crelido 11 times after he re-presented the horse at a water jump.

Charges were laid by the USEF in April, and the FEI said it would investigate the role of the Ground Jury in the incident. Committee Members of the USEF at the hearing on May 6 accepted a plea agreement that in connection with the competition in February, Morrissey breached of the USEF Code of Conduct in that “he was observed excessively striking, with a crop, the horse Crelido, during Class 101, the USEF WEG Selection Trial #2.

Morrissey has been suspended from membership, found not in good standing and forbidden from taking any part in any licensed competition for three months to August 4, 2010. He is also excluded from all competition grounds during such competitions as an exhibitor, participant or spectator. Morrissey is suspended from attending, observing or participating in any event, forum, meeting, program, clinic, task force, or committee of the federation, sponsored by or conducted by the federation, or held in connection with the federation and any of its activities.

Any horse or horses, completely or in part owned, leased, or of any partnership, corporation or stable of Morrissey’s, or shown in his name, is also be suspended from competition.