FEI refuses to lift Mary King’s suspension
The FEI has responded to a petition that has received more than 2,000 signatures to have Mary King’s 2-month eventing ban overturned.
Mary was given the ban after receiving a second yellow card within a 12-month period at Bramham last Saturday (7 June).
The 6-time Olympian was given the yellow card for “dangerous riding” on MHS King Joules (pictured above) on whom she retired part way around the cross-country course. Last October she was given a card for the same reason, at Le Lion d’Angers, where she was riding Cavalier Venture.
Rebecca Bignell started an online petition this morning (13 June) to have the ban removed that quickly picked up support, but the FEI is not prepared to change its position.
“The FEI fully supports the decision of the ground jury, who carefully considered the circumstances and reviewed Mary overall cross-country performance before giving the yellow card,” said an FEI spokesperson.
“The ground jury also clearly explained the reasons for its decisions to Mary, and gave her the opportunity to express her opinions.
“But, as this is the second yellow card for the same offence within 12 months, it has resulted in an automatic 2-month ban.
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“Ground juries are there to judge the competition, and ensure the rules are enforced to protect horse and rider.
“Mary is a highly accomplished athlete, and we look forward to seeing her back in the saddle in August.”
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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.