Former Olympic equestrian Michael Barisone was involved in a 2019 shooting at his New Jersey training farm, where student Lauren Kanarek was critically injured. He was later acquitted of attempted murder by reason of insanity.
Incident Overview
The Michael Barisone shooting refers to a violent confrontation that occurred in August 2019 at Hawthorne Hill Farm in Long Valley, New Jersey, where former Olympic dressage trainer Michael Barisone shot his student and tenant, Lauren Kanarek.
The case later became one of the most widely discussed incidents in U.S. equestrian sports and criminal courts.
What Happened
According to court records and investigators:
- A dispute escalated between Barisone and his student Lauren Kanarek
- The confrontation took place at Barisone’s training facility, Hawthorne Hill Farm
- Barisone used a 9mm handgun during the incident
- Kanarek was shot twice in the chest and critically injured but survived
Law enforcement said the incident followed months of escalating conflict involving professional and personal disputes at the property.
Police Response and Arrest
After the shooting:
- Emergency calls were made from the property
- Police arrived to find Kanarek seriously wounded
- Barisone was taken into custody at the scene
- He was charged with two counts of attempted murder
Trial and Court Outcome
During the trial:
- The defense argued Barisone suffered from a severe mental health crisis
- Prosecutors maintained the shooting was intentional despite the dispute
- Barisone did not deny the shooting but claimed lack of memory
In 2022, a jury found him not guilty by reason of insanity on attempted murder charges.
Aftermath
Following the case:
- Barisone spent time in a psychiatric facility
- He was later released under supervision
- The case sparked widespread debate in the equestrian community
- Both Barisone and Kanarek have since spoken publicly about the incident in media projects and documentaries
Victim Outcome
Lauren Kanarek survived the shooting after emergency surgery and long-term treatment. Reports indicate she recovered physically, though the incident had lasting emotional and legal impact.
Current Status
- Case concluded in criminal court (insanity acquittal)
- Civil and professional disputes continued afterward
- Barisone remains a controversial figure in equestrian sports history
Final Note
The Michael Barisone shooting remains a high-profile case involving sports, mental health defense, and legal controversy, centered on the 2019 incident at Hawthorne Hill Farm in New Jersey.