Darren Chiacchia

Darren Chiacchia (born September 18, 1964 in Buffalo, New York) is an American equestrian. He won a bronze medal in team eventing at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, together with Kimberly Severson, John Williams, Amy Tryon and Julie Richards. He also competed in individual eventing, placing 12th.

Contents

• Darren Chiacchia Windfall II on Lake Lamplight
• Major Accomplishments
• Windfall 2
• Better I Do It
• References

Chiacchia gained national attention in 2008 when he was thrown from a horse resulting in him being in a coma, the incident sparked debate about the safety of being an equestrian. He made headlines again in 2010 when a former sex partner who he dated from February to June in 2009, filed charges and Chiacchia was arrested on felony charges for allegedly exposing the man to the HIV virus, the charges were dismissed as intercourse was defined as only being able to occur between a man and a woman. The case renewed discussion about laws that may discourage people for getting tested for the virus, which can lie dormant for many years.

The felony charge against Chiacchia was reinstated in 2013 after the Florida 5th District Court of Appeal reversed the lower court's decision.

The felony HIV-related charge was dropped against Chiacchia in February 2017. The prosecution in Marion County entered a nolle prosequi.

Chiacchia owns and operates Independence Farm, a full-service breeding, training, and sales barn located in upstate New York. He volunteers his expertise as the Chair of the USEA's Events Rating Task Force.