BRITISH Equestrian has confirmed Sir Lee Pearson — Team GB’s third most successful Paralympian — is suspended amid an ongoing investigation into his conduct following his non-selection for Paris 2024.

The 50-year-old won 14 golds between 2000 and 2021, a total bettered only by cyclist Dame Sarah Storey and swimmer Mike Kenny.

ParalympicsGB named last month an all-female dressage team of Natasha Baker, Mari Durward-Akhurst, Sophie Wells and Georgia Wilson for the Games in the French capital.

Pearson — GB’s flag bearer for Rio 2016 — has not competed since March 2023.

He declined to comment on his suspension but has, on social media, expressed ambitions of returning at Los Angeles in 2028.

“British Equestrian and British Dressage are aware of concerns and allegations that have arisen around an individual within the dressage community,” read a British Equestrian statement.

“In accordance with our own procedures, the matter is under active investigation and the individual is suspended from both organisations while that investigation takes place.

“No further comment will be made at this time.”

Equestrian events are scheduled to begin on Tuesday at Chateau de Versailles.

ParalympicsGB remain open to Pearson returning for future Games.

“Lee has publicly stated he did not seek to qualify for Paris 2024 for personal reasons,” read a statement from the British team.

“That is a matter for him and British Equestrian and in no way detracts from his past achievements or the possibility that he may seek to qualify for future Paralympic Games.”