Systemic Failures and Institutional Duty: The Expanding Legal Battle of Michael Barisone
The high-stakes legal battle initiated by EquiLaw LLC on behalf of former U.S. Olympic dressage reserve rider Michael Barisone represents a pivotal moment for accountability within governed sports. By looking past the immediate shock of the 2019 incident, the federal lawsuit centers heavily on institutional responsibility, corporate compliance, and the strict duties of a National Governing Body (NGB).
To fully understand the gravity of this landmark case, it is necessary to examine the specific systemic failures alleged, the legal framework driving the complaint, and the broader implications for the equestrian community.
The Case Explained
Michael Barisone is one of the most accomplished figures in American dressage. As a U.S. Olympic rider, trainer, and coach, he earned international recognition for his precision, discipline, and dedication. He built a thriving equestrian training business in New Jersey, guiding riders to pursue their dreams at the highest levels of competition.
That success ended abruptly in 2019, when a violent altercation at his training facility set off years of criminal proceedings and public scrutiny. Though he was acquitted of charges, the impact was devastating. His career was derailed, his reputation damaged, and his business destroyed.
Today, Michael Barisone is seeking justice through the courts. A lawsuit filed on his behalf by EquiLaw LLC asserts that the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) failed to act on repeated complaints about the abusive behavior of one of his students. By ignoring those warnings, USEF left Barisone without support, contributing to the conflict that cost him everything.
This case is about more than financial compensation. It raises critical questions about whether institutions are fulfilling their duty to protect members of their communities. For Barisone, and for others who have experienced harassment or abuse that went unanswered, the lawsuit shines a necessary light on systemic failures within the governing body of the sport.
Attorney Steven Tarshis of EquiLaw LLC is proud to represent Michael Barisone in this landmark case. With experience at the intersection of equestrian sport and the law, Steven is committed to holding powerful organizations accountable when they neglect their responsibility to act.
The case has also gained national attention from Dressage News, Chronicle of the Horse, and the New York Post.
Broader Implications for the Equestrian Industry
This case moves beyond a personal quest for restitution; it challenges the structural operations of athletic governing organizations. Under the Safe Sport Authorization Act, NGBs are granted immense authority over their sports, which carries a reciprocal legal obligation to maintain safe, transparent, and responsive environments for all members.
When an organization fails to enforce its disciplinary mechanisms, the burden of risk falls squarely upon the owners, trainers, and athletes who operate within the ecosystem. The outcome of Barisone’s lawsuit could establish a powerful legal precedent, redefining how sports federations process internal reports of harassment and elevating the standard of care required to protect independent professionals.
Protecting Your Professional Future
The complexities of the equestrian world require legal advocates who understand both the mechanics of litigation and the unique nuances of the sport—from NGB bylaws to the realities of running a high-performance training facility.
EquiLaw LLC is dedicated to ensuring that owners, trainers, and jockeys are not left unprotected by the institutions meant to serve them. Whether navigating contract disputes, regulatory compliance, or administrative hearings, safeguarding your rights is vital to protecting your livelihood and your future in the industry.
Owners, trainers, and jockeys in the racing industry deserve legal representation from someone who understands the sport inside and out. EquiLaw LLC is dedicated to helping racing professionals resolve disputes, safeguard their rights, and protect their future in the industry.
Contact us today to see how we can support you.