The queen of Team GB‘s dressage team has been banned from the sport just days before the Paris Olympics after a video emerged of her allegedly whipping a horse on its legs repeatedly.
Six-time Olympic medalist Charlotte Dujardin had been hoping to become Britain’s most decorated Olympian but was sensationally forced to pull out of the games today.
In a bombshell statement the three-time gold medalist revealed she had made an ‘error of judgement’ during a coaching session that is said to have put an animal’s welfare at risk.
The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) also provisionally suspended the athlete for six months while it investigates the footage of Dujardin allegedly mistreating a horse at an educational day in a UK training venue.
The sporting body said it was sent the clip yesterday – just three days before Friday’s Opening Ceremony where Dujardin was tipped to be among the contenders to be the flag bearer for Team GB.
It is unknown who the mystery complainant was, as the grievance was raised to the FEI by a Dutch lawyer on behalf of their client. The timing of the leak, however, is not thought to be a coincidence, according to senior British figures within the sport.
Mail Sport understands that in the video, which was filmed four years ago, the 39-year-old is seen striking the horse on the legs multiple times during an exercise around a ‘piaffe’ – a slow motion trot. Another rider was on the horse at the time.
The investigation has put a halt on Dujardin’s dreams to become the most decorated female Olympian in the UK, after currently tying with British cyclist Laura Kenny who also holds six medals.
Team GB ‘s Olympic dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin has withdrawn from the Paris Games over a video showing her making an ‘error of judgement’
Dujardin during a Team GB kitting out session for the Paris Olympics in Birmingham
The six-time Olympic medallist was among the contenders to be the flag bearer for Team GB at Friday’s Opening Ceremony. Pictured with her horse Gio
Dujardin poses with her horse Pete (Imhotep), who she was due to ride in the Paris Games
Charlotte Dujardin with her Tokyo 2020 Olympic winning horse Gio (left) and former Olympic gold medal winner Valegro (right) in 2021
In a statement released this afternoon, the triple gold medalist said: ‘A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session.
‘Understandably, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is investigating and I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition – including the Paris Olympics – while this process takes place.’
She went on to say: ‘I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors.’
‘I will cooperate fully with the FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage during their investigations, and will not be commenting further until the process is complete.’
It is unknown which horse was involved in the alleged footage, however, if filmed in 2016 she could have been riding her beloved horse Valegro, who she spoke about constantly ahead of his retirement in December that year.
Team GB is expected to issue a statement in due course.
In a lengthy statement the FEI confirmed it had suspended Dujardin for six months while it investigates the allegations, while the British Equestrian Federation has also mirrored this provisional ban.
It means she will not be able to compete in any FEI or BEF events during that time period, which includes the Olympics.
It said: ‘The FEI has officially announced the provisional suspension of British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin for a period of six months, effective immediately from the date of notification, 23 July 2024.
‘On 22 July 2024, the FEI received a video depicting Ms. Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. This video was submitted to the FEI by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant.
Charlotte Dujardin of Britain on her horse Gio at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
The 39-year-old could have become Britain’s most decorated female Olympian in Paris
Dujardin, riding Gio, reacts after competing in the dressage grand prix freestyle individual finals during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
‘According to the information received, the footage was allegedly taken several years ago during a training session conducted by Ms. Dujardin at a private stable.
‘Upon receiving the video, the FEI promptly initiated an investigation. As part of this investigation, Ms. Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage were informed of the allegations.
‘Ms Dujardin was given a deadline of 17:00 Swiss time on 23 July to respond to the allegations. Subsequently, Ms. Dujardin confirmed that she is the individual depicted in the video and acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate.
‘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 FEI condemns any conduct contrary to the welfare of horses and has robust rules in place to address such behaviour. Our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of equine welfare and sportsmanship remains unwavering.
‘The FEI acknowledges the cooperation of Charlotte Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage with the ongoing investigation and intends to proceed as swiftly as possible.’
Dujardin celebrates winning bronze in the Grand Prix Freestyle for her sixth medal
The FEI’s president, Ingmar De Vos, said: ‘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.
‘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.’
It comes as American dressage rider Cesar Parra is currently provisionally suspended by the FEI over horse welfare issues.
The decision to withdraw is understood to be made by Dujardin and was her choice -she did not travel to Paris and remains in the UK.
Dujardin, viewed as one of GB’s greatest female Olympians, had returned to competition after giving birth to her first child in March 2023 and is said to be ‘devastated’ by the development.
She sought guidance from a number of close contacts on the issue but it is understood the decision was entirely hers. There is a travelling reserve who may take her place.
According to horses.nl the complaint was filed with both the FEI and the British Equestrian Federation at ‘9am last Monday’ by Dutch lawyer Stephan Wensing ‘on behalf of a client who wishes to remain anonymous’.
The website added that the matter related to ‘animal abuse’ from a video which they said was made two-and-a-half years ago, according to the complainant. They add that the video captured Dujardin ‘hitting a student’s horse with a whip from the ground’.
Dulardin rides Valero in the Dressage – Grand Prix Freestyle for gold, Rio de Janeiro in 2026
The report adds the complainant had ‘long hesitated’ before raising the matter with authorities and quotes Wensing, who says: ‘It is unacceptable that dressage sport should be accompanied by animal abuse.
‘If top-level sport can only be performed in such a way that the welfare of the horse is compromised, then top-level sport should be abolished.
‘Everyone who deals with horses has their own responsibility in this, and this also applies to bystanders who become aware of excesses. Equestrian sport must regulate itself and ensure that there can never be a discussion about horse welfare in sport again.
‘It is extremely sad that one of the most successful riders in the world has to pay the price. But this rider has also not taken any responsibility and this cannot go unpunished.
‘The federations and in particular the FEI can be expected to take even more adequate action against animal abuse, precisely to ensure the continued existence of equestrian sports.’
Dujardin – who holds a CBE – has been described as the dominant dressage rider of her era.
She began riding at just two-years-old and achieved second place at her first Pony Club show jumping competition when she was three.
The Olympian, who was born in Enfield, north London, took up dressage with a horse bought from an inheritance from her grandmother, beginning horse riding at the age of two.
In 2007, she began working as a groom with Carl Hester. He asked her to develop novice gelding Valegro in 2011.
Dujardin with Gio during the Dressage 1st Horse Inspection at Equestrian Park on July 23, 2021
Carl Hester and Dujardin raise the Union flag in celebration of their medal wins in Tokyo 2020
Dujardin, a six-time Olympic medallist, (pictured in 2021) decided to pull out of all competition
Dujardin pictured taking part in the dressage grand prix freestyle individual finals at the Tokyo Olympic Games
Her first medals came at the London 2012 Olympics, where she won both team and individual dressage gold medals on that horse. These were Britain’s first Olympic medals in the equestrian sport.
During the London games, she was accompanied by a very patriotic soundtrack, which included the theme music to The Great Escape, Big Ben’s chimes and Land of Hope and Glory.
Dujardin and Valegro won double individual gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, making her the first British woman to retain an individual Olympic title .
And at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 she claimed bronzes in the team and individual competitions.
On top of that, she was briefly the most successful British female Olympian in history before she was surpassed by cyclist Laura Trott.
She would have been looking to reclaim the title at the Paris Games on Imhotep.
Outside of the Olympics Dujardin has worked as a trainer for aspiring equestrians, with Lady Tatiana Mountbatten, the daughter of King Charles’s cousin George Mountbatten, being one of hr students.
Speaking to The Telegraph about the possibility prior to the announcement of her withdrawal, she said: ‘If I achieve that, it will be incredible. Now to think I could be at the very top, how surreal is that?’
Her shock statement comes just a day after an interview in Horse & Hound on her preparations for the Paris Games – where she was due to ride Imhotep – or ‘Pete’.
Speaking about how many she’s trained, she told the magazine: ‘That’s a lot of horses, and it was only until someone pointed out to me how many top-level horses I’ve trained that I thought, ‘Oh God, I have actually done a really good job’.’
She went on to say she hopes to be a ‘good example’ for her daughter Isabella, who was born in March 2023.
Dujardin said: ‘Whether it’s in dressage or some other sport, I hope to be a good example.
‘That’s what it’s all about, inspiring the younger generations to be active and to take up and follow their dreams.’
MailOnline has not seen the video.
