THE FEI has just announced that it has opened a case against Irish rider Kevin Thornton for the alleged abuse of the horse Flogas Sunset Cruise at Cagnes-sur-Mer, France, on October 10th last.

The announcement from the world governing body of equestrian sport was made in the last few minutes, at 3.30pm Irish time.

The case is being taken in accordance with Articles 142 and 163 of the FEI General Regulations.

The FEI statement said: "The athlete has been given the opportunity to provide a written reply to the allegations, including any documents, witness statements or other evidence that may be used in any legal proceedings arising out of this case.

Once this information has been received and a full case file has been compiled, the FEI will submit the matter to the FEI Tribunal under Article 142.2 of the FEI General Regulations. As the matter is now the subject of legal proceedings, the FEI will not comment further at this time."

Today's FEI announcement came in the wake of detailed public statements from the Swiss-based rider in which he vigorously rejected the allegations which caused a huge outcry on social media.

More on this story in The Irish Field this weekend.