**Former Dressage Coach Michael Barisone’s Infamous Shooting Case Explored in Netflix Documentary**
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Michael Barisone, once a celebrated figure in the equestrian world, is the focal point of a gripping new Netflix documentary titled *Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill*, which delves into the dramatic events surrounding the shooting of his former trainee, Lauren Kanarek, in 2019. The documentary premiered on April 21, shedding light on the intense conflict between Barisone, Kanarek, and her boyfriend, Robert Goodwin, which escalated to violence.
The altercation left Kanarek seriously injured after Barisone shot her twice, an act he claims to have little recollection of. Barisone alleges that he felt threatened by Kanarek and Goodwin, and described them as a source of relentless harassment, stating in the documentary, “They did a mini 9/11 to me.” In contrast, Kanarek claims that it was Barisone who harassed her, threatening her promising equestrian career.
The documentary examines the lead-up to the shooting and the aftermath that followed, providing insights into the heated relationship between Barisone and his trainees. Kanarek recounted her experience in the series, explaining how the stress of the situation revolved around her aspirations in dressage. “If [Barisone] says, ‘I will ruin your career with one phone call,’ that’s not something you take lightly,” she expressed.
Barisone was already known as a distinguished dressage coach, having represented the United States at the 2008 Olympic Games and collected over 100 competition wins throughout his career. He briefly achieved viral fame in 2012 when he appeared on *The Colbert Report*, showcasing the intricacies of dressage to the television audience. His transition from a competitive rider to a coach was marked by both successful training sessions and tumultuous relationships with some of his trainees, particularly Kanarek.
The conflict escalated when Kanarek and Goodwin, who were living on Barisone’s property, allegedly faced eviction after Barisone moved into a barn on the estate due to a flood at his farmhouse. Both parties exchanged accusations of bullying, with Kanarek documenting her concerns on social media. She even reported Barisone to SafeSport, an organisation dedicated to investigating misconduct in Olympic sports, for alleged abuses.
In the days leading up to the shooting, Barisone received a handgun from a colleague. A child services investigation visit on the morning of the incident reportedly triggered Barisone’s anxiety, leading him to claim that his mind went blank before he shot Kanarek. Eyewitnesses, including police officers, noted the grave nature of Kanarek’s injuries after the incident, which resulted in her being placed in a medically-induced coma.
Barisone faced serious charges including attempted murder and unlawful possession of a weapon. He maintained an insanity defence during the trial, asserting that the harassment from Kanarek had caused a mental breakdown. Ultimately, on April 15, 2022, a jury found him not guilty by reason of insanity for the shooting of Kanarek. He was hospitalised in a psychiatric facility as a result.
Following his release in November 2023, Barisone attempted to sue various parties involved in the case. However, he faced further complications when the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) permanently banned him from their events, citing allegations of sexual harassment and emotional misconduct. Barisone refuted these accusations and subsequently took legal action against USEF, claiming that the organisation was unfairly holding him accountable for the shooting and its fallout.
As Barisone navigates the aftermath of his legal battles, he continues to express a desire to re-enter the equestrian field, aiming for a remarkable comeback. He articulated his aspirations in the documentary, describing a potential return to competition as “the biggest comeback in history,” setting his sights on prestigious events such as the Olympic Games.
Michael Barisone’s life has undeniably changed since the tragic events of 2019, but as he pursues a return to his equestrian roots, the ramifications of that day and the ongoing legal disputes remain pivotal elements of his narrative, illustrating the profound impact that personal conflicts can have on the lives and careers of those involved. The documentary *Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill* invites viewers to consider the complexities of this real-life story, urging reflection on the factors that led to such a catastrophic turn of events.