British Olympian Charlotte Dujardin has received a six-month provisional suspension from equestrian’s governing body with immediate effect.
Dujardin withdrew from the Paris Olympics over a video from four years ago showing her making “an error of judgement”, in her words, during a coaching session.
Dujardin, a three-time Olympic dressage champion, had decided to pull out of all competition while the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) investigates the incident.
The FEI said it had received a video “depicting Ms Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare”.
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The suspension bars Dujardin from any competitions or events under the FEI’s jurisdiction and those run by a national federation.
The FEI added: “On 22 July, 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.
“Subsequently, Ms Dujardin confirmed that she is the individual depicted in the video and acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate.
“On 23 July, Charlotte Dujardin requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”
The video shows Dujardin repeatedly hitting a student’s horse with a whip from the ground, according to the Dutch website horses.nl.
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In a statement to the PA news agency, Dujardin 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.”
FEI president Ingmar De Vos said: “We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris.
“However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised.
“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.”
The lawyer, Stephen Wensing, told horses.nl: “It is 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.
“It is extremely sad that one of the most successful riders in the world has to pay the price.”
Dujardin, 39, could have become Britain’s most decorated female Olympian in Paris. A medal of any colour would have taken her clear of Laura Kenny, with whom she is currently tied on six medals.
Dujardin was due to compete in both the individual dressage and the team event alongside Carl Hester and world champion Lottie Fry. She is expected to be replaced in the team by alternate Becky Moody and her horse Jagerbomb.
Dujardin rose to prominence with individual and team golds at London 2012 while riding Valegro. The duo retained the individual title and won silver in the team event at Rio 2016.
Speaking recently, Dujardin said she was “not even thinking” about eclipsing Kenny’s record, adding: “For me, it’s all about going there and having fun and enjoying it, because otherwise I think it can very easily be taken away, all of the fun, with the pressure and expectations that everyone tells you should be feeling.”
Olympic and equestrian authorities have taken an increasingly strict line against alleged improprieties relating to the treatment of animals in recent years.
During the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021 – at which Dujardin won a bronze medal – a German modern pentathlon coach was thrown out for punching a horse.
The incident initiated a major overhaul of the historic sport, resulting in the equestrian element being removed completely, and replaced by an obstacle course for the first time in Paris.
