Michael Barisone, a former U.S. dressage Team member, has been permanently banned by the U.S. Center for SafeSport for sexual harassment, emotional misconduct, and violating U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) policies, a decision he plans to appeal. This sanction follows his 2019 shooting of Lauren Kanarek, for which he was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Barisone’s lawsuit against USEF alleges the federation failed to act on complaints about Kanarek’s behavior, breaching its own rules and bylaws, which he claims led to his emotional distress, loss of livelihood, and unsafe conditions. USEF counters that it had no obligation to report or intervene in the matter and argues Barisone’s claims are speculative, time-barred, and legally unfounded.

USEF’s attorneys emphasize that Barisone was responsible for his own actions and that the federation’s policies allow discretionary, not mandatory, intervention in such disputes. They argue that Barisone’s negligence claim is barred by the statute of limitations and that his damages stem from his own conduct, not any failure by USEF. The case highlights complex issues around organizational responsibility, mental health, and the limits of governing bodies’ duties to protect members, with the court yet to rule on USEF’s motion to dismiss Barisone’s suit.