The alleged abuse case has been closed for Washington-based international eventing rider Amy Tryon.
On July 20, an FEI Tribunal concluded its investigation of Tryon’s actions during the last moments on the cross-country course at the Rolex Kentucky Four Star in Lexington this past April. Her star horse, Le Samurai, stumbled and took several lame-looking strides. Tyron’s decision to continue across the finish line led to allegations of abuse. The injury turned out to be a snapped suspensory and after two weeks, Tyron, the horse’s owner Rebecca Broussard, and his veterinarians decided it was best to euthanize the horse.
The Tribunal found Tyron guilty of unintended abuse and sentenced her to a two-month suspension from competition and approximately $2,000 toward the FEI’s legal expenses. The suspension extends through Sept. 20.
The heartbreaking case was a shocker for the whole industry as Tryon’s long career and successes have always been tied to her reputation as a true horseman. During the Tribunal proceedings, she was not allowed to speak about the case. On July 26, Tryon took part in a press conference to answer the media’s questions. On the line with her were her husband Greg, Broussard, who has supported Tryon from day-one, and two lawyers.
“I saw what happened,” said Broussard. “It was an accident and she didn’t cause it and none of her actions made it worse.” The owner is currently looking for new mounts for Tryon.
Tryon said she felt the Tribunal process was fair. She acknowledged both strong support from many fellow competitors and the views of those who witnessed the incident and felt she was in the wrong. She welcomed the chance to clear up the “misconception” that the injury occurred over several steps. “It did occur in one step and it was not exacerbated by anything I did. It was a snapping of the suspensory under the fetlock, and the consensus of the vets who cared for him confirmed that it was not due to tiredness or fatigue or jumping the last fence.”
A summary of the Tribunal’s findings can be found on the FEI’s website, www.horsesport.org. It includes veterinary testimony.
Tryon is on the USEF’s Safety Committee. “I am very concerned about the welfare of horses and riders,” she said. “But in a sport that combines speed with animals, you are going to have variables and accidents happen. I can second guess myself and think of changes that could be made, but that would not change the outcome.”
Tryon relayed that USEF eventing coach Captain Mark Phillips suggested a 10 or 15 second “time out” on course that would allow riders to attempt to identify the source of a misstep.
The rider’s grief was evident throughout the call. “Losing Sparky…I don’t think I’ll ever get over it,” she said. “It will get easier, but it’s not something you ever get over. I hope to do things in my career that people will remember other than this and I hope to let my actions speak louder than my words as I go on with my career.”

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