Footage emerged on Wednesday morning of three-time Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin whipping a horse repeatedly on the back of the legs.
Dujardin has been banned from competing at the Paris Games after the video was sent to equestrian governing body the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) by a whistle blower.
A clip has since been released to Good Morning Britain and aired on Wednesday, with allegations she whipped the horse more than 24 times. It took place during a coaching session with a 19-year-old rider and dates back four years.
Stephan Wensing, the lawyer representing the complainant, told the Daily Telegraph: “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.”
In the complaint to the FEI, Wensing had said: “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.”
Dujardin, who had yet to travel to Paris, pulled out of the Games on Tuesday after news of the video emerged.
The FEI subsequently banned her for six months and said the suspension would “remain in place pending the outcome of the investigation/disciplinary proceedings”.
Dujardin has six Olympic medals — a British female record shared with the cyclist Laura Kenny — and had been bidding to take the outright national mark in the French capital.
The 39-year-old London-born rider came into the public eye at London 2012, when she won team and individual dressage gold with the horse Valegro. She went on to win individual gold and team silver at the subsequent Games in Rio de Janeiro, and came home from the last Olympics in Tokyo with double bronze.
She had been due to ride Imhotep in the dressage, which gets under way on Tuesday at the Palace of Versailles. She had been among the medal favourites in the individual and team, where she was due to ride alongside Carl Hester and Lottie Fry.
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 FEI is investigating and I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition, including the Paris Olympics, while the 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 co-operate 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 and the British team had been told of the allegations on Tuesday and given until 4pm UK time to respond, leading to the Briton’s decision to pull out of Paris.
FEI president Ingmar de Vos said the rider had responded fully with the investigation in its early stages.
He said: “We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games. However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse.
“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.”
