Olympian Convicted of Shooting Trainee Claims 'Biggest Comeback' Ahead

Michael Barisone, a 2008 Olympic equestrian, has claimed he is preparing for “the biggest comeback story in the history of sports,” despite his 2022 acquittal by reason of insanity in the shooting of his trainee, Lauren Kanarek. Barisone, 62, made the statements in a recent interview, overlooking his permanent ban from equestrian events following the August 2019 incident at his Morris County, New Jersey, farm.

Barisone faced attempted murder charges for shooting Kanarek in the chest and firing at her fiancé, Robert Goodwin, whom he missed. In April 2022, a court found him not guilty by reason of insanity. He was released from psychiatric custody in November 2023 and has since reopened a dressage farm in Loxahatchee, Florida.

During the interview, Barisone portrayed himself as the victim, calling himself “a terrific guy who snapped” and referring to Kanarek and Goodwin as “the scum of the earth.” He expressed a desire to regain his dignity and reputation, stating, “If this goes right, if I can make another team, a World Cup, a world championship, I will be the biggest comeback story in the history of sports.”

Barisone has not denied being the shooter and has initiated several lawsuits, including one claiming the shooting could have been avoided. He alleges the U.S. Equestrian Federation ignored complaints of abuse by Kanarek.

Before his fall from grace, Barisone was a prominent dressage coach, competing at the Grand Prix level and winning over 100 competitions. He also gained public attention for teaching Stephen Colbert dressage, which he described as “horse ballet.” He has since characterized the equestrian industry as an “incestuous cesspool of filth” and horse dealers as “shysters.”

Barisone began training Kanarek in March 2018. The situation escalated when Barisone claimed Kanarek and Goodwin violated a verbal agreement to leave his New Jersey farm after her training concluded. Police were called to the property multiple times in the ten days leading up to the shooting.

During the incident, Barisone shot Kanarek twice in the chest. She reported to 911 dispatchers, “I’ve been shot in the heart. Michael Barisone shot me.” Kanarek described the difficulty breathing, comparing it to being trapped underwater.

Barisone also attempted to shoot Goodwin during the altercation. He was charged with two counts of attempted murder and weapon possession. His defense argued he was legally insane, suffering from delusions and paranoia. He is reportedly writing a memoir titled “Pure Evil,” in which he claims his former self “died” during the shooting, stemming from “a shattered dream and a broken heart.”