Paralympian Dressage Competitor Suspended: PETA Statement

For Immediate Release:
August 30, 2024

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

Paris –

Please see the following statement from PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo regarding the suspension of Paralympian dressage competitor Lee Pearson by British Equestrian for alleged conduct issues:

If Lee Pearson’s conduct problems involve alleged mistreatment of horses, British Equestrian must release all evidence, including any historical incidents. We know dressage abuse occurs in Olympic competition, and if horses are reportedly suffering in Paralympic training, the public must be informed. When other sentient beings are involved, there can be no secrets and accountability is essential.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment or abuse in any other way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on X, Facebook, or Instagram.