Dressage-News

July 23, 2024

By KENNETH J. BRADDICK

Charlotte Dujardin, a multi Olympic gold medalist for Great Britain, on Tuesday pulled out of the Paris Games after a training video from four years ago showed her repeatedly hitting a horse’s legs in training. The FEI reported that Charlotte requested a “provisional suspension” while the incident was investigated.

“I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment,” said the 39-year-old rider who had been named to the British team on Imhotep. Her place will be taken by reserve Becky Moody on Jagerbomb. Other team members are Charlotte Fry on Glamourdale and Carl Hester on Fame.

The Telegraph newspaper reported the video showed Charlotte hitting a horse repeatedly on the legs to produce piaffe–a slow-motion trot–during a so-called educational day at a private stable in Britain.

Dutch lawyer Stephan Wensing was identified by the Internet site, Horses.nl, as having been hired by a whistleblower who sought to remain anonymous.

“The video shows Charlotte Dujardin hitting a student’s horse with a whip from the ground,” according to the Horses.NL report.

Wensing was quoted by the website that his client “had long hesitated and could not bring himself to allow Charlotte Dujardin to win medals at the Olympics, while the client knew about this video.”

“It is unacceptable that dressage sport should be accompanied by animal abuse,” the lawyer said. “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.”

Charlotte. who won team and individual gold medals at the 2012 Olympics and medaled at Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021, issued a statement on the incident:

“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 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.”

Prior to her withdrawal, the British team was regarded as a likely medalist at Paris where dressage is staged next week.

A medal of any color at Paris would have put Charlotte ahead of cyclist Laura Kenny as Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, currently tied on six medals.

Charlotte’s withdrawal was a major story in most of Britain’s daily newspapers.

The provisional suspension–initially reported by the FEI at six months but later amended to indefinite until the case was resolved–was also adopted by the British federation that means Charlotte is banned from all national events as well as international competitions.

The FEI explained that on July 22–Monday this week–it “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 said, “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 (11am US Eastern 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 said it condemns any conduct contrary to the welfare of horses and has “robust rules” in place to address such behavior.

The FEI said it acknowledged 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,” said FEI President Ingmar De Vos. “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 recognize 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.”