Dressage-News

Dec. 5, 2024

Charlotte Dujardin, Britain’s multiple Olympic gold medalist has been suspended for one year by the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) for “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare.”

The FEI suspension and a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (US$11,320/€10,740) will end in July as it includes the time in which the rider voluntarily offered to be suspended on July 23, 2024, just days before the Paris Olympics.

Charlotte’s suspension was triggered by a video received by the FEI on July 22, 2024 from a lawyer “representing an undisclosed complainant, that showed Dujardin excessively whipping a horse during a training session at a private stable.

Charlotte confirmed the following day she was the person in the video and informed the FEI that she would withdraw from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. She also agreed to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

“The FEI’s investigation, conducted with Dujardin’s full cooperation, concluded that Dujardin was the only person who had engaged in a rule violation in relation to the video. Additionally,” the FEI said in a statement, “the investigation found that aside from the conduct shown in the video, no other rule violations had occurred during, or in connection with, the training session.

“Since the video’s release, the FEI has not received any additional complaints or reports of violations concerning Dujardin’s conduct.

“During her suspension, Dujardin is prohibited from participating in all activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or of a national federation.

“British Equestrian and British Dressage have reciprocated the suspension, resulting in Dujardin’s ineligibility to compete in any national competition or training events during this period.”

Following the investigation, the FEI initiated formal disciplinary proceedings, citing three charges i) abuse of horse; ii) conduct that brings the FEI and/or equestrian sport and the FEI into disrepute; iii) breach of the FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse.

“Given the gravity of the offense and the relevant mitigating circumstances, including Dujardin’s prior clean disciplinary record and her voluntary withdrawal from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the FEI proposed a one-year suspension and a 10,000 Swiss francs fine.

“In accordance with the provisions of the FEI disciplinary rules, Dujardin admitted the offenses and accepted the sanctions proposed by the FEI,” the Swiss-based organization said.

“Following this, the FEI and Dujardin entered into an ‘Acceptance of Sanctions’ agreement, which was subsequently submitted to the FEI Tribunal, for confirmation in a binding FEI Tribunal decision.

“As noted in the FEI Tribunal’s decision, Dujardin’s acceptance of the proposed sanctions renders this decision final and not subject to appeal.”

FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said: “It is regrettable that this case has put our sport in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, especially during a critical time leading up to the Olympic Games.

“Yet, despite the challenges, the FEI acted decisively by immediately opening an investigation and imposing a provisional suspension.

“These significant sanctions send a clear message that anyone, regardless of their profile, who engages in conduct that compromises the welfare of the horse will face serious consequences. We believe this outcome reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to equine welfare and to its role as guardian of our equine partners.”

The FEI still has not announced a decision on United States rider Cesar Parra of Jupiter, Florida who has been suspended since Feb. 2, 2024 after public disclosure of a lengthy series of videos showing horse abuse.