Equestrian coach in Okanagan charged with sex-related crimes

An equestrian coach, Sebastien Benoit Devrainne, from Devrainne Performance Horses in Kelowna, B.C., has been charged with six sex-related crimes, including sexual exploitation, luring a child, making sexually explicit material available to a child, and three counts of sexual assault. The allegations span from 2011 to 2023. Devrainne, who operated out of the Gemstone Acres facility, offered coaching, development, young horse starting, competition, clinics, and importation services from competitive beginner to Grand Prix level in Canada and the US. Equestrian Canada, the organization the coach belonged to, is committed to safe sport principles and protecting everyone involved in equestrian sport. Devrainne has been provisionally suspended by the organization pending the completion of the complaints process.

In November, a prominent member of Kelowna, B.C.’s equestrian community was arrested in relation to sexual assault and sexual exploitation allegations. The RCMP could not confirm if Devrainne was the person in question, and there may be additional victims as he has been involved in the equestrian community for many years. The charge sheet lists three victims, and authorities are urging anyone in the equestrian community who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offense to come forward and report the incidents to the police. The investigation is ongoing, and the RCMP are seeking more information to ensure justice is served.

Equestrian Canada has strict policies regarding complaints of a serious nature, and individuals facing such allegations are immediately provisionally suspended and placed on a disciplinary sanctions list. The organization is committed to following through with complaints and supporting law enforcement when necessary to ensure the safety of everyone involved in equestrian sports. Devrainne’s suspension from Equestrian Canada shows that the organization takes these allegations seriously and is committed to upholding safe sport principles and ensuring accountability within the sport.

The allegations against Devrainne span over a period of twelve years, from 2011 to 2023, and involve charges of sexual exploitation, luring a child, making sexually explicit material available to a child, and three counts of sexual assault. The RCMP are urging anyone who may have been a victim of a sexual offense involving Devrainne to come forward and report the incidents to the police. The investigation into Devrainne’s case is ongoing, and more information is being sought to ensure that justice is served and that any additional victims receive the support and assistance they need.

The arrest and charges against Devrainne have shocked the equestrian community in Kelowna, B.C. and have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of individuals involved in the sport. Equestrian Canada has taken swift action in response to the allegations, suspending Devrainne pending the completion of the complaints process. The organization is committed to protecting all participants in equestrian sports and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved. The investigation into Devrainne’s case is ongoing, and authorities are actively seeking more information to ensure that justice is served and that any additional victims receive the support and assistance they need.