Jose Enrique Mercado Suarez and Tehuacan (MEX). Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
The FEI issued eight yellow cards and one recorded warning to eventers during the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. No yellow cards were issued to riders from the USA, Brazil, Canada or Guatemala.
The following riders received yellow cards:
- Luciano Claudio Brunello (ARG) and Maria Tereza — Dangerous riding / riding too fast
- Rodrigo Martin Abella Lemme (URU) and SVR Arbitro — Dangerous riding / series of dangerous jumps
- Guillermo Garin Heyermann (CHI) and Bipolar — Dangerous riding / continuing after three refusals
- Alva Pierola Hans Chener (PER) and Continera Z — Dangerous riding / continuing after three refusals
- Cardenas Salazar Marcelino (PER) and Vento — Dangerous riding / series of dangerous jumps
- Carlos Narvaez (ECU) and Que Loco — Dangerous riding / continuing after three refusals
- Jose Enrique Mercado Suarez (MEX) and Tehuacan — Dangerous riding / endangering the public (jumped rope)
- Carlos Villarroel (CHI) and Quilano — Abuse of horse / excessive use of whip
In addition, one rider received a recorded warning:
- Juan Carlos Tafur Eisenmayer (COL) and Blue Moon — Dangerous riding / series of dangerous jumps
Of the yellow-carded riders, Luciano Claudio Brunello finished 16th, Marcelino Cardenas Salazar withdrew at the final horse inspection, and Jose Enrique Mercado Suarez finished 10th. The others were eliminated on cross country.
Of 42 starters, that’s about 21% of the field or one in every five riders. Six of the 10 nations fielding teams were affected. Significantly more yellow cards were issued at the Pan American Games than at any other FEI event in the past 12 months.
These troubling statistics seem symptomatic of a broader problem. We all appreciate that it’s so important to involve new flags in international eventing, but how can we do so in a safe and inclusive manner?
The FEI has issued 48 yellow cards and 35 recorded warnings thus far in 2019. The FEI’s list of yellow cards and sanctions is updated weekly during the eventing season and can be viewed on the FEI’s website.
