Lauren Kanarek Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Father, Civil Suit, Career, Husband, Family, Documentary, Net Worth

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Lauren Kanarek is an American equestrian and dressage rider who became the center of a high-profile legal case involving former Olympic equestrian Michael Barisone. Kanarek had moved to Barisone’s Hawthorne Hill farm in Long Valley, New Jersey, in 2018 to train under his mentorship with the goal of reaching the upper tiers of professional dressage. However, the professional relationship quickly deteriorated into a bitter personal feud involving housing disputes, allegations of harassment, and a heavy social media presence where Kanarek frequently posted about their conflicts.

The tension reached a breaking point on August 7, 2019, when Barisone shot Kanarek twice in the chest at close range. Kanarek survived the shooting after spending weeks in the ICU and undergoing multiple surgeries to repair a collapsed lung. The subsequent trial in 2022 became a media sensation, focusing on Barisone’s defense that he had been driven to a “temporary insanity” or a delusional disorder by Kanarek’s targeted social media campaign and alleged attempts to destroy his reputation and livelihood.

In a verdict that divided the equestrian community, a jury found Barisone not guilty by reason of insanity on two counts of attempted murder. While Barisone was sent to a psychiatric facility for treatment and eventually released in late 2023, Kanarek has continued to pursue legal accountability through a civil lawsuit against him. As of 2026, her case remains a major topic of discussion, particularly with the release of documentary coverage (including a Netflix feature) that explores the complexities of the shooting and the role of digital harassment in the lead-up to the violence.

Beyond the courtroom, Kanarek has focused on her physical recovery and her return to the sport. By late 2022, she reportedly began riding horses again, though the incident left a permanent mark on her life and career. Her involvement in the case has sparked broader conversations within the U.S. Equestrian Federation regarding athlete safety, the management of professional disputes, and the influence of social media on mental health and conflict escalation.

Lauren Kanarek Biography: Quick Profile

Full Name	Lauren Kanarek
Date of Birth	Circa 1981
Age (as of 2026)	45 Years Old
Nationality	American
Profession	Professional Equestrian & Dressage Rider
Relationship Status	Partnered (Rob Goodwin)
Parents	Richard Kanarek (Father)
Known For	Survivor of the Michael Barisone Shooting

Early Life and Family Background

Born circa 1981, Lauren Kanarek grew up with a deep-seated passion for animals, particularly horses. While she has kept much of her early childhood private, it is known that she comes from a supportive family background. Her father, Richard Kanarek, has been a vocal supporter of his daughter throughout her medical recovery and the subsequent legal trials, often acting as a spokesperson for the family during their darkest hours.

Growing up in the United States, Lauren was drawn to the precision and elegance of dressage. Unlike other equestrian sports that focus on speed or jumping, dressage requires a profound level of communication and harmony between the horse and rider.

Education and Academic Pursuits

Lauren Kanarek’s education was largely centered around her professional development as an equestrian. While specific details regarding her traditional schooling are kept out of the public domain to protect her privacy, her “higher education” took place in the arenas of top-tier training facilities.

In the equestrian world, education often involves apprenticeships under Grand Prix riders. Lauren pursued this path vigorously, investing significantly in clinics and private training sessions. Her commitment to learning the nuances of equine biomechanics and advanced riding techniques is what eventually led her to New Jersey, seeking the expertise of an Olympian.

Professional Career in Dressage

The core of the Lauren Kanarek biography is her identity as a competitive dressage rider. Dressage is a sport of extreme discipline, and Lauren’s career was marked by a steady climb through the levels of the United States Dressage Federation (USDF).

Training at Hawthorne Hill

In 2018, Lauren Kanarek sought to take her skills to the Olympic level. To achieve this, she moved to Hawthorne Hill, a prestigious training facility in Long Valley, New Jersey, owned by Michael Barisone. Barisone was a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic dressage team and was considered one of the top coaches in the country.

Kanarek reportedly paid upwards of $5,000 per month for training, boarding for her horses, and living quarters on the farm. Her goal was to develop her horses for top-level competition, and for a time, the partnership seemed promising.

Competitive Achievements

Before the events of 2019, Kanarek was an active participant in USDF-sanctioned shows. She focused on training young horses, a difficult niche that requires patience and a “soft hand.” Her career was characterized by a drive to prove herself in a sport often dominated by long-established names.

The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill: A Detailed Account

The most widely known chapter of the Lauren Kanarek biography is the tragic event that occurred on August 7, 2019. What began as a professional disagreement between a coach and a student escalated into a violent confrontation that nearly ended Kanarek’s life.

The Conflict and Social Media War

The relationship between Kanarek and Barisone soured quickly in the summer of 2019. Disputes arose regarding the quality of training, living conditions, and an eventual eviction notice served to Kanarek and her boyfriend, Rob Goodwin.

The conflict moved into the digital realm, with Kanarek posting cryptic and sometimes aggressive messages on Facebook. She accused Barisone of various forms of misconduct, while Barisone claimed he was being “stalked” and harassed by Kanarek and Goodwin. The atmosphere at the farm became toxic, with both parties calling the police multiple times in the days leading up to the shooting.

The Day of the Incident

On the afternoon of August 7, Michael Barisone retrieved a 9mm handgun from a safe. He drove to the farmhouse on the property where Kanarek was staying and fired two shots at close range. Both bullets struck Kanarek in the chest, causing her lungs to collapse and inflicting devastating internal damage.

Goodwin, who was present, managed to tackle Barisone and hold him until the police arrived. Kanarek was rushed to a local trauma center in critical condition, where she was placed in a medically induced coma.

Hospitalization and Medical Recovery

The details of Lauren Kanarek’s hospitalization are harrowing. She underwent multiple emergency surgeries to repair her left lung and address the trauma caused by the bullets. For weeks, her life hung in the balance.

Medically Induced Coma: To allow her body to heal from the trauma, doctors kept her under heavy sedation for a significant period.
Physical Therapy: After regaining consciousness, Kanarek faced a long road to recovery. The physical toll of chest wounds is immense, affecting breathing, mobility, and core strength—all of which are essential for a professional rider.
Psychological Trauma: Beyond the physical wounds, Kanarek has been open about the PTSD and emotional scarring resulting from the attack and the subsequent public scrutiny.

The Legal Battles: Criminal Trial and Civil Suit

The legal proceedings surrounding Lauren Kanarek have been some of the most discussed in recent New Jersey history.

The Criminal Trial (2022)

Michael Barisone was charged with two counts of attempted murder. The trial, held in March 2022, became a flashpoint for debates on “legal insanity.” Barisone’s defense team argued that Kanarek’s social media posts and alleged “gaslighting” had driven the Olympian into a delusional state, causing him to snap.

In a verdict that stunned Kanarek and her supporters, the jury found Barisone not guilty by reason of insanity. He was committed to a psychiatric facility rather than prison.

The Civil Suit

Unsatisfied with the criminal verdict, Lauren Kanarek filed a civil lawsuit against Barisone, his farm, and even the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

Against Barisone: Seeking damages for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and loss of income.
Against USEF and SafeSport: Kanarek argued that these organizations failed to protect her despite the known volatile situation at the farm.

As of early 2026, these civil proceedings continue to navigate the court system. While Barisone was released from a psychiatric facility in late 2023, Kanarek remains steadfast in her pursuit of a judgment that acknowledges her status as a victim.

Personal Life and Relationship with Rob Goodwin

Lauren Kanarek’s personal life is anchored by her long-term partner, Rob Goodwin. Goodwin, also an equestrian, was a central figure during the shooting and the trial. He has remained by her side throughout her recovery, often acting as a protector and witness during the legal proceedings.

The couple shares a life centered around their mutual love for horses. Despite the trauma experienced at Hawthorne Hill, they have attempted to rebuild their lives in the equestrian community, though they often move with a heightened sense of caution and privacy.

Lauren Kanarek’s Net Worth

While specific figures for a private citizen’s net worth are difficult to verify, Lauren Kanarek’s financial standing is tied to her family’s resources and her professional earnings as a trainer and rider.

Assets: Her primary assets include high-quality dressage horses, which can be valued from $50,000 to well over $200,000 depending on their training level.
Legal Impact: Much of her financial focus in recent years has likely been consumed by astronomical medical bills and ongoing legal fees for her civil suits.

Recent Developments in 2026

In April 2026, the Lauren Kanarek story saw a resurgence in public interest due to the release of the Netflix documentary “Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill.” The film features interviews and never-before-seen footage of the lead-up to the shooting.

Furthermore, recent updates indicate that while Michael Barisone has attempted to return to the sport, he has faced a permanent ban from SafeSport for “emotional and sexual misconduct” (allegations he disputes), a move that some see as a delayed form of accountability for Kanarek.

Conclusion

The Lauren Kanarek biography is more than just a true-crime story; it is a narrative of a woman who refused to be silenced or broken. From the elite arenas of dressage to the sterile halls of an ICU, Kanarek has demonstrated a fierce will to survive. While the legal system’s “insanity” verdict provided a controversial end to the criminal case, her ongoing civil actions and her return to the saddle prove that her journey is far from over. As she continues to advocate for herself and for safety within the sport of dressage, Lauren Kanarek remains a pivotal figure in the conversation about the intersection of social media, mental health, and justice.

FAQs About Lauren Kanarek

Who is Lauren Kanarek?

Lauren Kanarek is a professional American dressage rider and equestrian who survived a 2019 shooting by former Olympian Michael Barisone.

What happened to Lauren Kanarek at Hawthorne Hill?

She was shot twice in the chest by Michael Barisone following a month-long dispute over her residency and training at his farm.

Is Lauren Kanarek still riding horses?

Yes, reports indicate that Lauren returned to riding in late 2022 as part of her physical and emotional rehabilitation.

What was the verdict in the Michael Barisone trial?

Barisone was found not guilty by reason of insanity in April 2022 and was sent to a psychiatric facility for treatment.

Where is Michael Barisone now in 2026?

Barisone was released from psychiatric care in late 2023. As of 2026, he is reportedly living in New York and is involved in ongoing legal battles regarding his ban from the sport.