Great Britain dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin pulls out of Paris Olympics 2024 over alleged horse mistreatment
One of the most decorated Olympians from Great Britain, Charlotte Dujardin, the dressage rider, has been provisionally suspended by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), the equestrian’s governing body after a video emerged showing the female Olympian beating a horse excessively with a whip.
According to BBC Sport, after the video leaked, the dressage star pulled out of the Paris Olympics 2024, making an error of judgment during a coaching session four years ago. She is now under investigation by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.
FEI received the footage of the three-time Olympic gold medallist.
"Engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare - during a training session conducted at Ms Dujardin's private stable".
A lawyer representing the complainant against Dujardin to the FEI stated:
"The video shows Ms Dujardin beating a horse excessively with a whip".
"My client is aware that this complaint could have far-reaching consequences for Ms Dujardin, including disciplinary sanctions. My client had to think long and hard about whether to bring this to your attention this way,” the lawyer added.
Charlotte Dujardin confirms she was in the video
FEI stated that Charlotte Dujardin has confirmed she was the one in the video which was filmed several years ago. Furthermore, the dressage star requested the body to provisionally suspend until the investigation gets an outcome.
Though the apex body initially announced a six-month suspension, it later stated that the ban would remain in place until the investigation and disciplinary proceedings get an outcome.
Interestingly, both British Equestrian (BEF) and British Dressage (BD) have already provisionally suspended the athlete pending the outcome of the FEI investigation and disciplinary proceedings.
Charlotte Dujardin was expected to participate in both individual dressage and team events with Carl Hester and world champion Lottie Fry. A medal of any color would have propelled her to emerge as the most decorated British female Olympian, taking a lead over retired cyclist Dame Laura Kenny.
While the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony is on Friday, July 26, the dressage competition is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 30 July at the Chateau de Versailles.