Evi and Tanya Strasser Re-Suspended by FEI Pending Investigation and Trial

Dressage

Canada

Canadian mother and daughter dressage duo Evi and Tanya Strasser have been re-suspended by the FEI due to an investigation in alleged misconduct.

Alleged Misconduct

On 18 February 2024 Equestrian Canada provisionally suspended both riders after allegations of misconduct. The FEI followed suit on 18 February 2024 and provisionally suspending the two.

"It is common practice for the FEI to reciprocate (Provisional) Suspensions from National Federations at FEI level and vice versa," the FEI stated at the time.

However, on the FEI's Table of Suspensions the Strasser's official suspension was marked as beginning on 22 April 2024 because the FEI opened its own investigation.

Suspension Lifted by CAS

On May 8 the Strassers filed for an application to lift the provisional suspensions before the FEI tribunal through their legal counsel. The suspension, however, was upheld.

On 15 May 2024 the Strassers applied for an urgent application to lift the provisional suspensions before the Court of Arbitration (CAS) as they were trying to compete as part of theCanadian Olympic Team selection process.

On 15 May CAS granted them provisional measures and lifted the provisional suspensions on an interim basis.

Between May and November Evi Strasser showed at CDI's in Ocala (CAN), Ottawa (CAN) Bromont, Devon USA), Lerma (MEX), and Toronto (CAN); while Tanya Strasser showed at CDI's in Ocala (USA), the World Young Horse Championships in Ermelo (NED), Devon (USA), andLerma (MEX). She travelled to the CDI-W Thermal in California but was told there she couldn't ride as her suspension was re-instated.

Re-Suspended

The FEI re-suspended both athletes as of 12 November 2024.

Eurodressage inquired with the Strassers who stated, "we are disappointed to announce that the FEI has reinstated our provisional suspension. This decision ultimately follows a technicality arising from a missed filing deadline by our legal counsel."

They continued, "despite our positive experience with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) up to this point, CAS was required to nullify its prior position because of this unfortunate filing error, leading the FEI to reissue the sanction."

Tanya added, "what is particularly troubling is that the FEI was aware of the missed deadline over 44 days before rendering their decision on November 12th. Yet, neither our legal counsel nor I were officially informed of the situation until November 14th. Additionally, Equestrian Canada was made aware of the decision on November 12th and also failed to communicate this crucial information to us until two days later. This delay occurred despite both organizations being aware of our planned participation in the CDI-W event in Thermal which required significant preparation and travel."

Tanya has been pursuing a starting place at the 2025 World Cup Finals in Basel (SUI) and is currently standing second on the North American League ranking. Her start in Thermal could have improved her points on the ranking.

"Had we been notified the the day the decision was rendered we would have been able to avoid much unnecessary travel for our horse," said Tanya. "This delay has led us to question the FEI’s and Equestrian Canada’s commitment to punctuality and horse welfare ,as they chose to withhold information until significant expenses and travel toll on the horse had been incurred on our end. If punctuality is to be emphasized, then we believe it should be upheld by all parties involved.

Radio Silence with Equestrian Canada

Eurodressage reached out three times to Equestrian Canada for an update and statements, but never received a reply.

In May the NF told Eurodressage, "we do not have any further information to share at this point as the independent complaints process is still ongoing and remains confidential - even to EC. When the process is complete we are provided with a report and finding at which time we’ll be able to comment."

Strasser concluded, "although we are distraught by the way in which this situation was handled —especially as it hinges on an error done outside of our hands —we remain committed to respecting CAS and to seeking a fair resolution with the FEI. We will continue to pursue a just outcome and to represent our values in the sport and hope to see a a resolution to this matter in the near future."