British equestrian Charlotte Dujardin has been suspended from all competition and will not compete in this week’s Paris Olympics after a video emerged showing her whipping a horse’s legs during a training session.
In footage shown on Good Morning Britain today (24 July), Dujardin can be seen on the ground repeatedly whipping a chestnut-coloured horse’s legs with force. It is thought she was training the horse and rider to piaffe, a movement included in top-level dressage tests that requires the horse to move on the spot.
A suspension was officially announced by the FEI yesterday (23 July), shortly after a statement from Dujardin was released on social media, which said she had taken the decision to withdraw from all competition.
“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,” said Dujardin. “I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment. I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors.”
Dujardin was bidding to become the most decorated female British Olympian ever in Paris. A medal of any colour would have taken her total to seven, putting her ahead of now-retired cyclist Dame Laura Kenny.
World Horse Welfare Chief Executive Roly Owers described the situation as “a massive wake-up call”.
“This story is another salutary reminder of how vital it is that equestrians put the welfare of the horse first, all of the time, whether in the competition arena or behind closed doors,” he said.
“We welcome Charlotte’s decision to take full responsibility and withdraw from the Paris Olympics, and British Equestrian and the FEI’s swift action. Horse sport rightly has high standards, as illustrated in the FEI Code of Conduct and British Equestrian’s Charter for the Horse, but it’s a collective responsibility to maintain these standards.
“Respect for the horse must be at the heart of every equestrian, and every equestrian sport, and their actions must demonstrate that respect all of the time,” he continued. “World Horse Welfare actively supports horse sport, but there cannot be any tolerance for unacceptable practices, no matter how experienced the rider or coach.
"We know that a successful future for horse sport has public trust at the centre of it and this requires equestrians to be caring and to always treat their horses with respect, compassion and understanding. This is another massive wake-up call for anyone who thinks this is not important, because it most certainly is.”
The video was submitted to the FEI on Monday 23 July by Dutch lawyer Stephen Wensing on behalf of a client who has not been named. The footage was filmed several years ago in an indoor training arena at a private yard.
The FEI said in a statement that it “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.”
FEI President Ingmar De Vos added: “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.”
A joint statement from the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and British Dressage confirmed that Dujardin has been provisionally suspended from all national and international competition pending the outcome of the FEI investigation.
“As the guardians of equestrian sport, we must uphold the highest standards of equine welfare – the horse’s wellbeing is paramount,” said British Equestrian Chief Executive Jim Eyre.
“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.”
British Dressage Chief Executive Jason Brautigam added that the national governing body takes “a zero-tolerance approach” to any breach of its 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, BEF Performance Director and Team GB Equestrian Team Leader, described the events as “disappointing”.
“Obviously the events of the last 24 hours have been disappointing on many levels for all affected,” she said. “No one more than Charlotte Dujardin recognises the part welfare holds in sport and as such has done the right thing in stepping down to allow the FEI tribunal to take place in a timely manner.”
Dujardin lives in Gloucestershire and is Britain’s most successful dressage rider. She is best known for her partnership with Valegro, the horse on whom she won dual gold at the London 2012 Olympics and individual gold and team silver in Rio four years later.
Dujardin went on to win individual and team bronze at the delayed Tokyo Games riding Gio in 2021.
