Emma joined Morgan Sports Law in October 2018, having trained at a US law firm. Emma is based in the firm’s New York office.
Emma specialises in equestrian matters, representing riders, owners, trainers and event organisers in all types of disputes, before national and international governing bodies. She spent three years working closely with a former General Counsel of the Fédération Equestre International (“FEI”).
Emma has particular experience working on high-profile equine anti-doping matters, as well providing advice on horse sale and purchase disputes. She has also acted for clients in disciplinary proceedings, challenges to the FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List, sports eligibility issues and qualification challenges.
Emma also provides specialist input in matters of US civil litigation.
Emma obtained a First Class Honours degree in Law from King’s College, London. She is qualified to practice law in England & Wales and is also admitted to the New York bar.
The following list is reflective of only a small number of cases due to confidentiality of a range of clients and matter details.
Ann Thompson
Successfully advising Ann Thompson, an equestrian business owner on new rider relationships and horse purchases and sales, including drafting and negotiating agreements.
The World Equestrian Center
Successfully advising the World Equestrian Centre in negotiations concerning a potential regulatory dispute with the United States Equestrian Federation and Fédération Equestre Internationale.
Synephrine contamination: Eight Horses Suspension Lifted
Successfully securing the lifting of Provisional Suspensions imposed on eight horses, after they tested positive for the specified substance Synephrine, in a landmark decision by the Fédération Equestre Internationale Tribunal.
Chester Weber
Successfully representing world-class horse driver Chester Weber in various proceedings involving the United States Equestrian Federation, Fédération Equestre Internationale and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Bruno Cavalheiro Rebello
Successfully obtaining and providing evidence to the Fédération Equestre Internationale and Fédération Equestre Internationale Tribunal, sufficient to confirm that Mr Rebello bore no fault or negligence for the alleged Equine Anti-Doping Rule violation and need not serve any period of ineligibility, leaving him free to compete with immediate effect.
Nicolas Pizarro
Successfully obtaining and providing evidence to the Fédération Equestre Internationale and Fédération Equestre Internationale Tribunal, sufficient to confirm that Mr Pizarro bore no fault or negligence for the alleged Equine Anti-Doping Rule violation and need not serve any period of ineligibility, leaving him free to compete with immediate effect.
United Arab Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation v FEI
Successfully acting for the UAEERF in overturning the Fédération Equestre Internationale Board’s decision, on appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Jesse Morgan v AB Contern
Successfully advising US basketballer in breach of contract claim and obtaining award of compensation from his former club, before the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal.
MORE FROM EMMA
The Administrative Disciplinary Procedure (ADP) was introduced by the FEI on 1 January 2020 as an alternative disciplinary process designed to make the FEI legal system more efficient. In this article we explain what the ADP is and the benefits it brings.
Horse spiking can be difficult to prove, and such defences are sometimes quickly dismissed by anti-doping authorities. However, a recent case has shown that horse spiking does happen. In this article, we discuss why horse spiking can be difficult to prove and suggest changes that could be made to help victims of horse spiking prove it in the future.
Everyone involved in international equestrian competitions needs to be familiar with the rules of the FEI (the international governing body of equestrian sport). In this article, we set out six of the more interesting FEI rule changes to be aware of in 2022.