Wednesday, 20 March 2024
British Showjumping is liaising closely with British Equestrian and the FEI regarding the athlete James Smith (FEI ID 10031879) who has been immediately suspended as of 16 March 2024, following equine welfare concerns relating to photos that appear to have been taken at a recent FEI Event. There has also been a block put in place to prevent the groom, Nicola Park, from renewing her membership with British Showjumping while the investigation is taking place. Further to the suspension imposed by British Showjumping, which was confirmed to the FEI on 16 March 2024, the FEI have also provisionally suspended the athlete. This suspension prohibits him from entering and/or competing or training Athletes/Horses at any FEI Events, or any national events until further notice while the images and circumstances of the incident are being investigated. See FEI General Regulations Article 164.6 for the full definition/description.
The training methods depicted in the images have no place in our sport, are against our regulations and will not be tolerated. Horse welfare is the highest priority for British Showjumping, the BEF and the FEI, and we will continue to work closely together to ensure our Rules and Regulations concerning equine welfare and wellbeing are both respected and enforced.