The Chronicle of the Horse published that former international Grand Prix rider Michael Barisone is suing the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) while a permanent ban from sport has been imposed by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
In July 2025 Barisone filed a lawsuit against USEF, "claiming the entire situation could have been avoided had the federation taken appropriate action on earlier complaints made by Barisone and others about threats, harassment and abusive behavior from shooting victim Lauren Kanarek," as the Chronicle reported.
On 15 December 2025 Barisone's status in the SafeSport’s database changed from a temporary suspension for “allegations of misconduct” to permanent ineligibility for “sexual harassment,” “emotional misconduct” and violating “NGB policies/bylaws.” The status change can be appealed.
USEF’s lawyers have requested a motion for dismissal on 19 December 2025. They say, "putting aside the sheer illogic of such a spurious assertion, none of Plaintiff’s purported causes of action can survive judicial scrutiny. To the contrary, the claims are either (i) timebarred, (ii) duplicative of one another, or (iii) critically infirm in their failure to allege the requisite elements required of such claims."
Barisone, a former U.S. Dressage Olympic team reserve rider, was charged with second-degree attempted murder after shooting his client in August 2019. A lengthy legal trial ensued and in April 2022 Barisone was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Barisone remained in custody to receive mental health treatment and got discharged from the psychiatric hospital in the autumn of 2023.
Read the full article on www.chronofhorse.com
Photo © Astrid Appels
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