Charlotte Dujardin: Three-time Olympic dressage champion banned for one year by FEI for whipping horse
Three-time Olympic dressage gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin says she is “always striving to perform better” after being handed a one-year ban and fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (£8,886) for whipping a horse “excessively”. The goal will remain.
Video footage emerged in July – just days before the start of the Paris 2024 Olympics – of a 39-year-old man repeatedly striking a horse around the legs with a long whip.
Dujardin’s international ban, imposed by the FEI – the world governing body of equestrian sports – predates the start of her provisional suspension and she will be eligible to compete again from July 2025.
British Equestrian and British Dressage have also endorsed a suspension, preventing Dujardin from competing in national competition or training events during the same period.
“I fully respect the decision issued today by the Equestrian Sports Federation (FEI),” Dujardin said.
“As the federation recognizes, my actions in the video do not reflect who I am and I can only apologize again. I understand the responsibility that comes with my position in the sport, and I always strive to do better.” I will set a goal.
“This has undoubtedly been the darkest and most difficult time of my life, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me during this time.”
Dujardin’s six Olympic medals, including three gold, one silver and two bronze, are the joint-most medals of any British female Olympian, along with former track cyclist Dame Laura Kenny’s five gold and one silver.
Dujardin was temporarily suspended on 23 July for “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare”, a day after the FEI received a video in which he was seen excessively handling a horse during a training session at a private stable. Was whipping.
The FEI said the footage of the training session did not reveal any other rule violations and said no further complaints had been made against Dujardin’s conduct since the video surfaced.
FEI General Secretary Sabrina Ibáñez said, “These significant sanctions send a clear message that anyone, regardless of their profile, who engages in conduct that compromises the welfare of a horse will face serious consequences.”
“We believe this result reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to horse welfare and its role as protectors of our equine partners.”
Ibáñez said it was “regrettable” that the case had brought the sport into the news for “all the wrong reasons” ahead of the Paris Games, but said the FEI took decisive action by launching an investigation and imposing a provisional suspension over the emerging video. Was.
Dujardin withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she was to represent Team GB, after admitting that she was the person in the video.
UK Sport says Dujardin “is ineligible to receive public funding and publicly funded benefits” during his suspension and any future funding beyond FEI approval “will be reviewed”.
Jim Eyre, chief executive of British Equestrian, said the welfare and ethical treatment of horses “has always been a priority”.
“We will continue to work tirelessly with our member bodies to maintain the integrity of our sports through enforcement, education and advancement in our knowledge,” he said.
And British Dressage said it “stands in solidarity with the FEI in adopting a zero-tolerance approach” in relation to the mistreatment of horses.
Chief executive Jason Brautigam said, “We launched the horse charter last year and are fully committed to maintaining these standards.”
“Working closely with our partners across the federation, we will collectively continue to put the health, care and well-being of the horse at the heart of everything we do, and actively demonstrate that equestrian sport can be conducted in an ethical and responsible manner.” is done.”
