One of Team GB’s most-decorated female Olympians has been suspended on Tuesday over a historic video showing her repeatedly whipping a horse.
Dressage star Charlotte Dujardin, who won six Olympic medals including three gold medals, has confirmed she was the person in the video, withdrawn from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and requested to be provisionally suspended while the equestrian’s governing body, the FEI, investigates the complaint against her.
British Equestrian (BEF) and British Dressage (BD) has also suspended the 39-year-old pending the result of the FEI investigation, meaning she will be excluded from all national and international competition during the period.
The FEI said it has received a video on Monday from a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant, and the video, allegedly taken several years ago during a training session Ms. Dujardin had conducted at a private stable depicts her “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare,” the governing body said.
The FEI launched an investigation upon receiving the video and informed BEF and BD of the allegations.
Ms. Dujardin, who was given until 5 p.m. Swiss time on Tuesday to respond, has “confirmed that she is the individual depicted in the video and acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate,” the FEI said.
“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 governing body said.
The FEI acknowledged the athlete’s cooperation and said it “condemns any conduct contrary to the welfare of horses and has robust rules in place to address such behaviour.”
“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.”
In a joint statement, BEF and BD confirmed they had mirrored FEI’s suspension of Ms. Dujardin.
Jim Eyre, chief executive of BEF, said it will fully comply with any requests to fulfil the FEI investigation, and said 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. We will continue to work with the FEI and Charlotte to complete the process,” he said.
BD Chief Executive Jason Brautigam said the organisation is committed to “bring people and horses together in harmony” and will “constantly strive to achieve the highest standards of horse care.
“We do not condone any behaviour that goes against our guiding principles and take a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of our equine welfare policies. These historic allegations are deeply upsetting for everyone involved in our sport, but we fully support the FEI investigation and will take any appropriate disciplinary action when this process is complete,” he said.
Helen Nicholls, director of British Equestrian Performance and Team GB Equestrian Team Leader, said the allegation was “disappointing,” and that Ms. Dujardin has “done the right thing in stepping down.”
“Our focus remains on supporting our athletes to deliver to their potential on the world stage and we look forward to the Games getting underway on Saturday,” she said.
