USEF President Thomas O'Mara Issues Letter to Members Concerning Parra Abuse Case

Dressage

U.S.A

Thomas O'Mara, the president of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), has issued a letters to the members of the federation concerning the Cesar Parra abuse case.

Although the letter is not officially linked in the "press release" part of the USEF website, this is the first official statement USEF has made for the general public. It has been published in this location on the USEF website.

The letter reads:

We would like to take a moment to address the recently published videos and accusations of abuse levied against U.S.-based international dressage athlete Cesar Parra. The images and videos are disturbing and show a complete disregard for horse welfare and are in no way aligned with our values and beliefs as the stewards of horse sport in the United States.

Parra has been temporarily suspended by the FEI while they actively investigate the matter. USEF is enforcing the suspension and supporting that investigation. To ensure the integrity of the investigation, we are unable to disclose further details, but we want to be absolutely clear – we are documenting these violations and will pursue disciplinary action to the highest degree in partnership with the FEI.

It is imperative that as a community we continue to hold each other accountable and speak up when we see something that endangers the integrity of our sport, the health and welfare of our horses, and/or the well-being of our athletes and members. If you have witnessed horse-related abuse, please contact USEF by texting what you saw to 2USEF (28733) or by emailing generalcounsel@usef.org. As a reminder, if you witnessed or have knowledge of sexual abuse, it must be reported to law enforcement and the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Sincerely,

Thomas F. X. O’Mara
President

William J. Moroney
Chief Executive Officer