THE United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) barred top American trainer and former coach of the USA Olympic show jumping team, George H. Morris, for life after an investigation into sexual misconduct involving a minor.

For his part, Morris has come out with a strong denial which was emailed to equestrian publiciations, including The Irish Field, around the world yesterday. In it, Morris denied the allegations as "false'' and "hurtful", saying he intends to appeal the suspension.

The permanent suspension, which appeared online yesterday (Monday), is the most severe the United States Center for SafeSport, an independent investigative body charged with examining sexual misconduct in Olympic sports, can administer.

In a bulk email sent to people who follow his clinics and master classes including Irish Horse World, George Morris (81) said he would appeal the decision, which he said stemmed from allegations that took place over four decades ago.

The New York Times reported that Sonja Keating, a spokeswoman for the equestrian federation, said that U.S. Equestrian and its affiliates would enforce the ban, which is subject to appeal.

“The Center investigated the allegations against Morris, found them credible, issued their ruling, and banned Morris for life,” she said in a statement.

Statement by George H. Morris

"I am deeply troubled by the U.S. Center for SafeSport's findings regarding unsubstantiated charges for events that allegedly occurred between 1968 and 1972. I contest these findings wholeheartedly and am in the process of disputing them. I have devoted my life to equestrian sport and the development of future riders, coaches and Olympians. Any allegations that suggest I have acted in ways that are harmful to any individual, the broader equestrian community, and sport that I love dearly are false and hurtful. I share our community's commitment to protecting the safety and wellbeing of all our athletes who need reliable guidance and encouragement at every level, of which I have provided for over 50 years. I will continue, as I always have, to proudly support equestrianism and its continued development around the world."

Career highlights

George Morris rode to Olympic Team Silver at the 1960 Olympic Games and was the USA show jumping team's chef d'equipe in 2005. During his years in the top role, the USA team enjoyed top drawer success including winning the Samsung Super League Series in 2005 as well as taking Team Silver at the World Equestrian Games in 2006, Team Gold at the 2008 Olympic Games and Team Gold and individual Gold and Silver at the Pan American Games in 2011.

Morris, who has a training yard in Hunterdon, New Jersey, became the chef d'equipe for the Brazilian team for the 2016 Rio Games.