Charlotte Dujardin, Britain’s joint-most decorated female Olympian, has been provisionally suspended by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) following the emergence of a video showing her allegedly mistreating a horse. The dressage star had already withdrawn from the Paris 2024 Olympics after the footage, which Dujardin acknowledged as an “error of judgement,” came to light.
The FEI received the video, which purportedly shows Dujardin engaging in conduct against horse welfare principles during a training session at her private stable. According to a lawyer representing the complainant, the video depicts Dujardin “beating a horse excessively with a whip.” The complainant, aware of the potential consequences for Dujardin, deliberated extensively before filing the complaint.
The FEI confirmed that Dujardin admitted her identity in the video, which was “filmed several years ago,” and requested a provisional suspension while the investigation is ongoing. Initially, the FEI announced a six-month suspension, but this has been extended to remain in place until the investigation and disciplinary proceedings are concluded.
In response to the video, Dujardin announced her decision to “withdraw from all competition while this process takes place.” She stated, “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.”
Both the British Equestrian (BEF) and British Dressage (BD) have also imposed provisional suspensions on Dujardin pending the FEI investigation. The FEI emphasized its commitment to addressing instances of abuse, with FEI president Ingmar De Vos stating, “It is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised.”
The incident recalls a similar controversy from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when German modern pentathlon coach Kim Raisner was disqualified for appearing to punch a horse. This led to significant changes in the event, replacing the equestrian component with an obstacle course.
Becky Moody and her horse Jagerbomb are Team GB’s alternate combination for dressage. The British Olympic Association (BOA) stated it “will be applying to bring in a reserve athlete under the IOC’s Late Athlete Replacement rules,” emphasizing its serious stance on animal welfare.
British Dressage chief executive Jason Brautigam and BEF chief executive Jim Eyre both expressed their commitment to supporting the FEI investigation and upholding high standards of equine welfare.
Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare, underscored the importance of public trust in equestrian sport, stating, “If that trust is damaged it will damage the sport. This is another massive wake-up call for anyone who thinks this is not important, because it most certainly is.”
Dujardin, 39, won team and individual gold medals at the London 2012 Games and additional gold and silver medals at Rio 2016. She secured two bronzes at Tokyo 2020 on her horse Gio. She was set to compete in Paris 2024 on her new horse Imhotep and needed a medal to become the most-decorated British female Olympian, surpassing retired cyclist Dame Laura Kenny.
This development, coming just three days before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, is expected to have significant ramifications for both Dujardin’s career and the broader acceptance of equestrian sport.
