Charlotte Dujardin is out of the Paris Olympics and provisionally suspended for six months over a video showing her hitting a horse's leg several times; warning: the above video contains footage that some viewers may find distressing
Wednesday 24 July 2024 17:26, UK
Team GB's Charlotte Dujardin is out of the Olympics and provisionally banned for six months over a video from four years ago showing her hitting a horse's leg several times.
Dujardin, a three-time Olympic champion, said the video - obtained by Sky Sports News - showed her making "an error of judgement during a coaching session".
She announced she was pulling out of all competition while the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) investigated the incident.
The FEI confirmed shortly afterwards on Tuesday that Dujardin had been provisionally banned for six months after it received a video "depicting Ms Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare".
"This decision renders her ineligible to participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games or any other events under the jurisdiction of the FEI," a statement said, adding that it "intends to proceed as swiftly as possible" with its investigation.
Becky Moody and her horse Jagerbomb are the travelling reserve for Dujardin, with Moody to now take part in the Olympics for the first time.
UK Sport said on Wednesday that Dujardin's eligibility to receive public funding, as well as access to publicly-funded benefits, had been suspended, pending the outcome of the FEI investigation.
The footage was allegedly taken several years ago during a training session conducted by Dujardin at a private stable. It was submitted by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant.
Equine lawyer Stephan Wensing, who lodged a welfare complaint with the FEI, told Dutch website De Hoefslag that the anonymous complainant had not wanted to raise the complaint earlier due to a perceived "culture of fear".
He added of the complainant: "She also has no interests in other riders or teams but couldn't bear to see Charlotte win medals at the Games."
Dujardin, 39, could have become Britain's most decorated female Olympian in Paris. A medal of any colour would have taken her clear of Laura Kenny, with whom she is currently tied on six medals.
Sources close to Dujardin say she is distraught and devastated.
In a statement, Dujardin 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.
"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.
"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."
Dujardin was due to compete in both the individual dressage and the team event alongside Carl Hester and world champion Lottie Fry.
Dujardin rose to prominence with individual and team golds at London 2012 while riding Valegro, with the duo retaining the former title and winning silver in the latter at Rio 2016.
Animal rights non-profit organisation PETA said after the video emerged: "The message to the International Olympic Committee should be clear by now: remove equestrian events from the Olympic Games. Yet again, an Olympic rider has been caught on video abusing a horse to force the animal to behave in an entirely unnatural way, simply for her own glory."
The FEI acknowledged the cooperation of Dujardin, British Equestrian and British Dressage with the ongoing investigation and said it "intends to proceed as swiftly as possible".
"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," FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
"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 UK Sport spokesperson said on Wednesday: "We expect all staff and athletes in Olympic and Paralympic sport to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour, ethics and integrity. We are disturbed by the serious concerns that have been raised in the past 24 hours regarding horse welfare and Charlotte Dujardin.
"Sport national governing bodies are required to notify us when they become aware of any conduct-related issues involving a World Class Programme athlete or member of staff so it can be reviewed under the Funding Eligibility Policy.
"In line with our Eligibility Policy, Charlotte Dujardin's eligibility to receive public funding and access to publicly funded benefits has now been suspended, pending the outcome of the Fédération Equestre Internationale's (FEI) investigation.
"We now need to let the FEI's investigation conclude before making any further comment."
Sky Sports News' Geraint Hughes in Paris:
This is staggering that it's an athlete of Charlotte Dujardin's stature and that this is happening just days before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games and the Games themselves get underway.
In dressage Charlotte Dujardin is as good as it gets, a three-time gold medallist, six medals in all. She's the most decorated female British Olympian of all time alongside Laura Kenny. One of Team GB's greats. She has held every single title possible within her career. There is no one who can touch her, she is peerless. She is the Usain Bolt of dressage.
She's obviously alluding to an error of judgement here in that statement. We await to find out exactly what she has done but the statement makes it clear her sorrow but also just the seriousness of what has happened with the video now under investigation by the governing body of the sport.
It may take some time to complete that investigation and the advice is that she should not compete until that investigation is concluded.
Probably the biggest understatement, this is not what Team GB want, not what the Olympics wants just days before the competition is about to begin here.
