Team GB Olympian Charlotte Dujardin banned for six months & will miss Paris Games over video of her ‘hitting a horse’
CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN sensationally pulled out of the Paris Olympics in disgrace after a video emerged of her allegedly whipping a horse.
Britain’s greatest horsewoman said she was “deeply ashamed” by her “error of judgement” in a coaching session “from four years ago”.
The lawyer for the complainant has alleged that Dujardin whipped the horse with a long whip more than 24 times in one minute during a lesson with a 19-year-old female student at her private stable.
The FEI, the sport’s governing body, has launched a probe into the incident and has issued the athlete with a provisional six-month ban.
A statement read: “During this period of suspension, she is prohibited from participating in any activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any competition or event under the jurisdiction of a National Federation (NF).
“This also includes any FEI or NF-related activities. In addition, the British Equestrian Federation has mirrored this provisional suspension, which also makes Ms. Dujardin ineligible to compete in any national events during this period.”
It continued: “Upon receiving the video, the FEI promptly initiated an investigation.
“As part of this investigation, Ms. Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage were informed of the allegations. Ms Dujardin was given a deadline of 17:00 Swiss time on 23 July to respond to the allegations.
“Subsequently, Ms. Dujardin confirmed that she is the individual depicted in the video and acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate.
“On 23 July 2024, Charlotte Dujardin requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and also confirmed that she will not participate in any competitions pending the outcome of the FEI’s investigation.”
The complainant is weighing up whether to release the video to the public and will make a decision on Wednesday.
Dujardin, who had not travelled to France, withdrew three days before the Opening Ceremony along the Seine.
And this ruins her chances of adding to her six Olympic medals, including three golds.
In a statement, Dujardin, 39, said: “A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session.
“Understandably, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is investigating.
“And I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition – including the Paris Olympics – while this process takes place.
“What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse.
“I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.
“I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors.
“I will cooperate fully with the FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage during their investigations, and will not be commenting further until the process is complete.”
Dujardin needed just one more Olympic medal to move past another great, Laura Kenny.
The pair have both won six medals each with Dujardin winning two gold medals in her first Olympics at London 2012 on horse Valegro.
But Kenny has won more golds — five to Dujardin’s three.
She followed up that success by defending her Individual dressage title at Rio 2016 while also picking up silver in the team event.
Dujardin then switched horses and rode Gio to bronze in both the individual and team events in Tokyo.
After she won gold in Rio her then-fiancé Dean Golding wore a shirt bearing the proposal “Can we get married now?”.
According to Dutch media, a complaint relating to animal welfare was filed against Dujardin on Monday morning.
Dutch lawyer Stephan Wensing, acting on behalf of his client, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “It’s unacceptable that dressage sport should be accompanied by animal abuse.
“If top-level sport can only be performed in such a way that the welfare of the horse is compromised, then top-level sport should be abolished.
“Everyone who deals with horses has their own responsibility in this, and this also applies to bystanders who become aware of excesses.
“Equestrian sport must regulate itself and ensure that there can never be a discussion about horse welfare in sport again.
“This is a very important task for the jury members who have lost sight of the core value of dressage for far too long and have overvalued spastic movements of horses.
“It’s extremely sad that one of the most successful riders in the world has to pay the price.
“But this rider has also not taken any responsibility and this cannot go unpunished.
“The federations and in particular the FEI can be expected to take even more adequate action against animal abuse, precisely to ensure the continued existence of equestrian sports.”
Travelling reserve Becky Moody will take Dujardin’s place on horse Jägerbomb along with teammates Carl Hester and Charlotte Fry.
The dressage team and individual competitions were due to start on Tuesday July 30.
In November 2023, billionaire Andreas Helgstrand was banned from riding by the Danish national dressage team until at least January 2025.
This follows claims of mistreatment of horses, which were exposed by an undercover TV documentary crew.
Last this month Denmark has hastily replaced a member of its dressage squad – Carina Cassøe Kruth – after an old video showing alleged horse abuse.
FEI statement in full on Charlotte Dujardin
THE FEI has officially announced the provisional suspension of British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin (FEI ID: 10028440) for a period of six months, effective immediately from the date of notification, 23 July 2024.
This decision renders her ineligible to participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games or any other events under the jurisdiction of the FEI.
During this period of suspension, she is prohibited from participating in any activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any competition or event under the jurisdiction of a National Federation (NF). This also includes any FEI or NF-related activities.
In addition, the British Equestrian Federation has mirrored this provisional suspension, which also makes Ms. Dujardin ineligible to compete in any national events during this period.
On 22 July 2024, the FEI received a video depicting Ms. Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. This video was submitted to the FEI by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant.
According to the information received, the footage was allegedly taken several years ago during a training session conducted by Ms. Dujardin at a private stable.
Upon receiving the video, the FEI promptly initiated an investigation. As part of this investigation, Ms. Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage were informed of the allegations. Ms Dujardin was given a deadline of 17:00 Swiss time on 23 July to respond to the allegations.
Subsequently, Ms. Dujardin confirmed that she is the individual depicted in the video and acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate.
On 23 July 2024, Charlotte Dujardin requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and also confirmed that she will not participate in any competitions pending the outcome of the FEI’s investigation.
The FEI condemns any conduct contrary to the welfare of horses and has robust rules in place to address such behaviour. Our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of equine welfare and sportsmanship remains unwavering.
The FEI acknowledges the cooperation of Charlotte Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage with the ongoing investigation and intends to proceed as swiftly as possible.
“We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
“Charlotte has expressed genuine remorse for her actions, and we recognise and appreciate her willingness to take responsibility. Despite the unfortunate timing, we believe this action reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to welfare as the guardians of our equine partners and the integrity of our sport.”
To maintain the integrity of the investigation, the FEI will refrain from making further comments on this matter until the process is concluded.