An Olympian from New Jersey is facing accusations related to a shooting incident involving his equestrian trainees, which he claims never occurred. He asserts that the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) ignored complaints regarding the alleged abusive behavior of the victim.
The USEF reportedly received complaints about Lauren Kanarek more than a year before the shooting incident at Michael Barisone’s farm in Long Valley. This was supported by statements from at least three women mentioned in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Manhattan.
Kanarek, who is 44, managed to survive being shot in the chest. Barisone, who is 61, was arrested but later acquitted of attempted murder by reason of insanity. He argued that Kanarek’s behavior had severely affected his mental health.
Recent developments indicated that a New Jersey judge allowed Barisone to travel freely along the East Coast. He mentioned that if action had been taken in 2018, the shooting might have been prevented. “I would have been warned. If they had legally stopped her, I think I could have avoided this situation,” he told the Post.
Balisone, an alternate member of the 2008 Olympic team, began training with Kanarek in March 2018 in Florida and later agreed to let her stay at his New Jersey farm while she continued her training.
During this time, Barisone was reportedly unaware of several complaints filed against Kanarek, including disturbing allegations regarding her interactions with a woman who lost her child years earlier.
Another equestrian, Robin Breckman, who once provided Kanarek with riding lessons, reportedly made threats about her on social media, describing her behavior as abusive and threatening.
The USEF did not respond to Breckman’s complaints, which Barisone highlighted in court documents. Additionally, a former assistant to Kanarek also alleged abuse, raising further concern over the USEF’s inaction.
The lawsuit states that if Kanarek had faced sanctions back in 2018 or 2019, the series of unwanted incidents might have been avoided. It goes on to describe Kanarek’s troubling behavior and her refusal to leave Barisone’s property, which allegedly led to significant harm to his farm and horses.
Barisone claimed that Kanarek publicly accused him of various offenses, including drug abuse and horse mistreatment. He expressed regret that his efforts to encourage Kanarek to change her behavior were futile.
He had warned the USEF of his concerns, fearing for his safety. “You have to do something. You can’t do nothing,” he stressed to the Post.
After the shooting, Barisone spent over two years in prison before being declared innocent and found not guilty on the grounds of insanity. He remained confined in a mental health facility until his release in November 2023.
Kanarek, who did not return requests for comments, later sued Barisone in October 2019. Various records indicate that details of the incident were subsequently removed. The USEF has opted not to comment on the ongoing lawsuit.
