Three-time dressage gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin has been debarred from the Paris Olympics after a video appeared showing Dujardin whipping a horse 24 times.
The 39-year-old equestrian star, who has an incredible six dressage Olympic medals to her name won at the London, Rio, and Tokyo Olympics, was suspended after a video of the alleged act of cruelty towards animals became public and went viral across different social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit and more.
Watch video of Charlotte Dujardin whipping a horse back-to-back 24 times
The incident occurred during a coaching session with a young rider in a private stable several years ago.
The official complaint against Dujardin was filed by a 19-year-old and was represented by Dutch lawyer Stephan Wensing, who in a statement said that he is pleased with the decision of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).
Stephan Wensing stated,
“Charlotte Dujardin was in the middle of the arena. She said to the student, ‘Your horse must lift up the legs more in the canter.’ She took the long whip, and she was beating the horse more than 24 times in one minute. It was like an elephant in the circus.”
Wensing added to his client that it was a normal practice since Dujardin was an Olympic Gold Medalist and who would have doubted her actions.
Stephan also revealed that his client was first asked not to talk about the incident in the UK.
However, after his client learned that others had been suspended in the UK and elsewhere, he decided to make the complaint.
British Equestrian has not commented on the incident, but the organization’s chief executive, Jim Eyre, admitted the allegations against Dujardin were serious.
Eyre stated,
“As the guardians of equestrian sport, we must uphold the highest standards of equine welfare – the horse’s wellbeing is paramount. We have been in close liaison with the FEI on the matter and will fully comply with any requests to fulfill their investigation and support the robust processes around such complaints.”
He reiterated that upholding the integrity of the sport remains the top priority.
Charlotte Dujardin, a top contender as Team GB’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony, withdrew from the Games on Tuesday afternoon. A few hours later, the FEI confirmed that Dujardin was suspended for six months.
Charlotte Dujardin, in a statement, did not comment directly on the incident but admitted there was no excuse for her behaviour and she was deeply ashamed for what she termed as an error of judgment.
Charlotte Dujardin stated,
“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 at that moment. I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans, and sponsors.”
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