FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 4, 2007 Statement
from the Broussard Family, Owners of Le Samurai It
is with tremendous sadness that we announce that Le Samurai has been humanely
euthanized. From the outset we have been determined to give this magnificent horse
the best veterinary treatment available, but only so long as the continuation
of that treatment remained consistent with Sparky's best interests. Regrettably,
the veterinarians treating him have advised us that a successful outcome is not
possible. Sparky will be greatly missed by our family, Amy
Tryon and everyone who knew and loved him. We wish to express our heartfelt thanks
to Dr. Hunt and the veterinary staff at the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute for
their tireless dedication to Sparky's well-being. We also wish to thank the eventing
community around the country for all the kindness and good wishes that have
been extended to us and to Sparky. Jerome
and Rebecca Broussard Contact:
Maria Partlow, Senior Vice President Communication and Marketing at (859) 225-6941,
or mpartlow@usef.org ________________________________________________________ _______________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 2, 2007 Statement
from the USEF on the Injury to Le Samurai at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

(Lexington, KY) - The injury to Le Samurai, ridden by Amy
Tryon, sustained at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event on April 28th is under
review by the FEI. They will obtain a statement from the Ground Jury at the
competition and from the Appeal Committee, and conduct a hearing which will include
a review of the tape of the incident. A judgment will then be made in the case.
The USEF will honor that decision, abide by it and enforce it. A schedule for
this hearing and judgment has not yet been set. Amy
Tryon is devastated by this tragic injury to her partner. She has been an outstanding
representative of the United States, both on and off the field, winning medals
in many international competitions including the Olympic Games and The FEI World
Equestrian Games. Amy is respected worldwide as a kind and generous horse woman
who gives back to the sport, and an athlete of great character and principle.
The USEF is prepared to guide her through the hearing process. Le
Samurai continues to rest comfortably at the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
in Lexington, Kentucky. Inquiries regarding his condition should be referred to
jmorris@usef.org. # 01/05/2007
- FEI Statement Regarding the Investigation into the Case of Abuse at the CCI
4* Lexington, Kentucky USA 
The FEI was notified of an alleged case of abuse which occurred during the
CCI 4* Lexington, Kentucky USA on Saturday 28 April involving competitor Amy Tyron
(USA) and Le Samurai.
The preliminary investigation was conducted
according to the regulations, whereby the Ground Jury met on Saturday 28 April
following the cross country to investigate an incident of alleged abuse
before fence 34. The Ground Jury collected written statements from the Fence
Judges and Sector Steward and reviewed the video as well as interviewing the FEI
Veterinary Delegate, Dr. Catherine Kohn. The rider, Amy Tyron, was
interviewed on Sunday immediately after the Sunday morning horse inspection and
gave her account of the incident. Following the interview, the Ground Jury referred
the matter to the Appeal Committee. The Appeal Committee, in full possession of
all the written statements and video recording, took the following decision: According
to article 164.4.5 of the FEI General Regulations: In serious cases, immediate
disqualification with one or more horses from a competition or from the whole
event with a referral to the Secretary General (for referral to the Judicial Committee)."
Once the FEI has collected all reports and evidence, the case will be submitted
to the Tribunal (the former Judicial Committee) and all the relevant evidence
will be reviewed prior to any decision being made. The FEI takes these
matters very seriously and endeavours to ensure that the welfare of the horse
is a priority.
Statement
From Amy Tryon
April
29, 2007 Le
Samurai is resting comfortably at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and has the
best care that could be provided anywhere in the world. I wish to express that
I am totally devastated about the injury he sustained yesterday but cannot comment
pending a review by the FEI. Id give anything if this had not happened.
I love this horse. Le Samurai is very special to me and we share a deep bond that
is beyond just competition. Although we will no longer be competing together,
he will always be my partner. I thank everyone who has generously assisted with
Le Samurais care and been so supportive. Editor's
Note: The matter of Le Samurai's injury was referred to the FEI Appeal Committee
by the Ground Jury at Rolex Kentucky.
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