Douglas Lindelöw. Photo (c) Jenny Abrahamsson.
The decision from the Swedish Equestrian Federation’s Disciplinary Committee to suspend Douglas Lindelöw from competition for a period of two months, has been lifted by the Swedish Sports Confederation's own Disciplinary Committee. This is a result of an appeal made by Lindelöw, who in late November was suspended after he was found to have treated a horse in a way conflicting with the national rules set by the Swedish Equestrian Federation. Lindelöw’s appeal was made in an open letter, following a decision that could only be described as controversial.
The Swedish Sports Confederation's Disciplinary Committee has now lifted the suspension until they have reached a final decision in the case. Such a decision is not expected until February. The Swedish Sports Confederation's Disciplinary Committee will, unlike the Swedish Equestrian Federation’s Disciplinary Committee, hear the witnesses in the case. The Swedish Equestrian Federation’s Disciplinary Committee only took into consideration written testimonials, which later was criticized by Lindelöw as there was no opportunity to ask questions to the individuals that gave the information – increasing the risk of wrong accounts as a foundation of the decision.
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