Fédération Equestre Internationale officials requested a provisional suspension for German show jumper Marco Kutscher, team veterinarian Björn Nolting and FEI Bureau member Hanfried Haring. However, the FEI Tribunal has decided not to suspend those individuals until they’ve reached a final decision.

It’s been widely reported that Kutscher and Nolting were responsible for administering lactanase and arnica to Cornet Obolensky at the 2008 Olympic Games. Apparently the horse then collapsed. (See Germany Disbands Olympic Equestrian Teams.) Unlike five other show jumpers, Kutscher wasn’t accused of doping during the Olympic Games, but now he and Nolting are facing horse abuse charges. Haring, a judge and former Secretary General of the German National Federation, apparently knew about these facts, but didn’t tell the relevant authorities.

“Unlike the applicable provisions under the anti-doping rules, the rules in horse abuse cases do not allow for suspension prior to a final decision on the merits of the case,” read the FEI press release.

“The Tribunal was not asked to judge the guilt or innocence of Hanfried Haring, but instead, it was asked to endorse the protests of the FEI Bureau in provisionally suspending him as a Bureau member and FEI judge until it was established that he had no involvement in the ongoing case. This is common practice in organizations to ensure that a person who is in a position of authority is cleared first of any involvement in the specific issue, given the available evidence. Their decision underlines the independence of the Tribunal, the sole body elected by the General Assembly to decide on such matters. Hanfried Haring remains a member of the Bureau and his fellow Bureau members will accord him the respect that he deserves,” said FEI President Princess Haya.