The Fédération Equestre International has opened disciplinary proceedings against North Carolina-based five-star eventer Andrew McConnon, it announced Thursday. The case comes eight months after several former employees submitted video and photographic evidence of what they believed were abusive riding practices to both the FEI and the U.S. Equestrian Federation.

“The disciplinary proceedings against Mr. McConnon are in accordance with Article 30 of the Internal Regulations of the FEI Tribunal for multiple alleged breaches of the FEI General Regulations, including Article 142, which prohibits horse abuse,” according to a statement from the FEI.

He has been provisionally suspended by the FEI, effective Jan. 8, pending results of the proceedings. Both USEF and the U.S. Eventing Association have reciprocated the provisional suspension, meaning McConnon is currently ineligible to compete in FEI-, USEF- or USEA-recognized competitions and activities.

“We support the decision made by the FEI to thoroughly investigate this matter,” USEA CEO Rob Burk said in a statement, “and the USEA will continue to cooperate with both the USEF and FEI, the governing bodies that hold responsibility for investigations and disciplinary proceedings under the rules of our sport.”

The USEA said it will continue to provide updates on the matter as they become available. The FEI said that “[i]n order to ensure the integrity of the ongoing legal proceedings, the FEI will not provide further comment on this case at this time.”

People are encouraged to report any concerns about equine welfare or possible horse abuse to the USEF. Anonymous reports can be texted to 2USEF.