On Tuesday, British dressage star Charlotte Dujardin announced her withdrawal from the Olympics in Paris following the release of a video purportedly capturing her mistreating a horse.
Three-time Olympian Dujardin, who is also the most decorated British woman Olympian, acknowledged her “error of judgement” and conveyed her sincere regret.
Only a few days before the Games began, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) suspended her without warning.
A video “depicting Ms. Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare” was obtained, the regulatory authority said.
The FEI stated, “A lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant submitted this video to the FEI.”
“Based on the information provided, it appears that the video was captured at a private stable a few years ago during a training session led by Ms. Dujardin.”
According to the FEI, Dujardin confessed that her behavior was “inappropriate” and that she was shown in the video.
It stated that she had voluntarily withdrew from the Olympics in Paris and requested to be temporarily suspended while the investigations were ongoing.
“The FEI has strong regulations in place to address such behavior and condemns any conduct that is contrary to the welfare of horses,” the statement read.
“We are steadfast in our resolve to uphold the greatest standards of sportsmanship and equine welfare.”
“Judgment error”
A video that appeared four years ago, according to Dujardin, showed “an error of judgement during a coaching session.”
She said, “Understandably, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is looking into this, and I have decided to step away from all competition, including the Olympics in Paris, while this is happening.
“What transpired was wholly uncharacteristic and has no bearing on how I instruct my students or exercise my horses. Still, there’s no justification. I should have led by example in that situation, and I feel incredibly embarrassed of myself.
“We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris,” stated FEI President Ingmar De Vos.
But we have a duty to deal with any abuse cases that arise since the wellbeing of the horses cannot be jeopardized.
“Charlotte has shown sincere regret for her deeds, and we acknowledge and value her readiness to accept accountability.”
Following a post-competition check, blood was discovered on Dujardin’s horse, Mount St John Freestyle, which resulted in her elimination from the 2019 European Championships.
According to the FEI, nothing in the action at that time suggested that the horse was intended to be hurt.
In Paris, Dujardin, 39, might have become the most decorated female Olympian in British history. She would have avoided Laura Kenny, with whom she is currently tied on six medals, with a medal of any color.
Alongside world champion Lottie Fry and Carl Hester, she was scheduled to compete in the individual dressage as well as the team event at the Paris Games.
Becky Moody is anticipated to take her spot on the team.
Riding Valegro, Dujardin won both individual and team gold at London 2012. The two went on to win silver in the team event at Rio 2016 and to keep the individual crown.
Authorities connected to the Olympics and equestrian sports have recently adopted a more stringent stance against animal abuse.
In 2021, a German modern pentathlon coach was sent off for hitting a horse during the postponed Tokyo Games.
After an investigation by the authorities, the sport’s equestrian component was eliminated and an obstacle course took its place in Los Angeles in 2028.
The Paris 2024 dressage competition gets underway at the Chateau de Versailles on July 30.
