Charlotte Dujardin out of Olympics and provisionally suspended
Britain’s three-time gold medallist pulled out of the Paris Games after a video emerged of ‘an error of judgement’ in a coaching session.
British Olympian Charlotte Dujardin has been provisionally suspended by 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 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.
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.”
Lawyer Stephen Wensing, told Dutch website 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, with the British Olympic Association (BOA) confirming: “We will be applying to bring in a reserve athlete under the IOC’s late athlete replacement rules.”
Dujardin rose to prominence with individual and team golds at London 2012 while riding Valegro – to a soundtrack that included Land of Hope and Glory. The duo retained the former title and won silver in the latter at Rio 2016.
A BOA spokesperson said: “The British Olympic Association can confirm the withdrawal of Charlotte Dujardin from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and we acknowledge the seriousness with which she is taking this matter.”
British Equestrian and British Dressage issued a joint statement confirming they have also provisionally suspended Dujardin.
BE chief executive Jim Eyre said: “As the guardians of equestrian sport, we must uphold the highest standards of equine welfare – the horse’s wellbeing is paramount.
“The allegations made are serious and the consequences far-reaching but upholding the integrity of our sport remains our priority – we are privileged to enjoy the company of horses; we must never compromise on their wellbeing.”
