Charlotte Dujardin, one of Britain’s most decorated athletes, has withdrawn from the 2024 Paris Olympics after a shocking video emerged showing her repeatedly whipping a horse.
Dujardin has won six Olympic medals in dressage, an equestrian event in which horse and rider perform a series of artistic movements. She is tied with retired cyclist Laura Kenny for the most Olympic medals won by a female athlete in the United Kingdom.
Dujardin might have been able to outdo Kenny at this year’s Olympics, but instead he will be temporarily suspended from his sport until an investigation into his alleged abuse is completed.
Charlotte Dujardin stands with her horse Pete (Imhotep) during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games equestrian team announcement at Ocklebrook Mill on July 2, 2024 in Newent, England. Dujardin withdrew from the Olympics after a video emerged of her repeatedly whipping a horse during a training session.
Dan Estetian/Getty Images
The FEI wrote in a press release that the international governing body for equestrian sport, known as the FEI, suspended Dujardin a day after receiving a video of her “engaging in conduct that is contrary to the principles of horse welfare.” The video was sent by a lawyer representing “an unidentified claimant.”
An investigation was immediately opened and the FEI contacted Dujardin, who confirmed that she was the person in the video and “acknowledged that her behaviour was inappropriate”.
The photos were allegedly taken several years ago while Dujardin was training a rider at a private stable. The identity of the rider has not been revealed.
The disturbing video, seen by Global News, shows Dujardin in an indoor riding arena, appearing to train a rider on horseback. Using a long whip, Dujardin can be seen whipping the horse’s legs and hindquarters dozens of times over the course of a minute as it gallops through the arena. Dujardin hits the horse so hard in some places that loud cracking sounds can be heard and echo throughout the building.
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Dujardin described his behaviour in the video as an “error of judgement” in a Statement posted on Instagram.
“What happened was completely out of the ordinary and does not reflect the way I train my horses or my students, but there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example at the time,” she wrote. “I sincerely regret my actions and am shocked that I let everyone down.”
While Dujardin claims the video in question was recorded four years ago, the lawyer who submitted the disturbing images to the FEI claims they were taken in 2022.
Stefan Wensing is the attorney representing the whistleblower who recorded the footage, according to multiple media reports.
Winsing said News from Heaven His client was forced to record the incident because she had seen Dujardin commit similar abuse several times before. His client was afraid to report Dujardin because of his high profile in the equestrian world, but wanted to act before the start of the 2024 Olympic Games.
In an interview with TelegraphWensing explained some of the context behind the video: “Charlotte Dujardin was in the middle of the arena. He said to the student, ‘Your horse has to lift its legs up when it gallops.’ He took the long whip and hit the horse more than 24 times in one minute and very, very, very hard.”
The FEI claims that Dujardin is cooperating with the authorities and that she herself requested a provisional suspension pending the outcome of the investigation. He also voluntarily withdrew from the Paris Olympics.
Under the suspension, Dujardin will be banned from participating in FEI competitions and events. Dujardin has also been suspended by the British Equestrian Federation, making her ineligible to compete in national competitions.
“We are extremely disappointed by this case, especially as we approach the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, however it is our responsibility and important that we deal with any cases of abuse, as the safety of the horses cannot be compromised,” said FEI President Ingmar De Vos.
“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 the welfare of our equine partners and the integrity of our sport.”
Team GB announced on Wednesday that Becky Moody will replace Dujardin in the dressage team. Moody will ride her horse Jagerbomb.
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