One of Team GB’s biggest stars, Charlotte Dujardin, has been banned from the Paris Olympics over allegations that she whipped a horse “24 times … like an elephant in a circus”.
The 39-year-old, who won six dressage Olympic medals in London, Rio and Tokyo, has been suspended after a video emerged of the incident that occurred when she conducted a coaching session to a young rider in a private stable several years ago.
The Dutch lawyer Stephan Wensing, who is representing the 19-year-old who filed the official complaint against Dujardin, said that he was pleased that the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) had taken such a strong stand.
“Charlotte Dujardin was in the middle of the arena,” he said. “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.
“At that time, my client was thinking this must be normal. She is an Olympic winner. Who am I to doubt? My client asked around and was warned against speaking out in the UK. But last year my client saw others suspended in the UK and elsewhere.
“And this weekend, she eventually made a decision to let me admit the complaint to the FEI and that happened yesterday. The FEI took this immediately very seriously.”
British Equestrian refused to directly comment on Wensing’s allegations. However the organisation’s chief executive, Jim Eyre, admitted the allegations against Dujardin were serious.
“As the guardians of equestrian sport, we must uphold the highest standards of equine welfare – the horse’s wellbeing is paramount,” he said. “We have been in close liaison with the FEI on the matter and will fully comply with any requests to fulfil their investigation and support the robust processes around such complaints.
“The allegations made are serious and the consequences far reaching but upholding the integrity of our sport remains our priority.”
Dujardin, who had been a leading contender to be Team GB’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony, withdrew from the Games on Tuesday afternoon hours before the FEI confirmed that she had been provisionally suspended for six months. In a statement she did not address directly what she had done in the video. However she admitted that there was “no excuse” for her behaviour and that she was “deeply ashamed” of the error of judgment.
“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,” she added. “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,” she added. “I will cooperate fully with the FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage, and will not be commenting further until the process is complete.”
In its statement the FEI said that Dujardin was “ineligible to participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games or any other events under the jurisdiction of the FEI”. It confirmed that Dujardin had admitted being the person in the video that it had received and had apologised for her behaviour.
“On 22 July 2024, the FEI received a video depicting Ms Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare,” it said. “This video was submitted to the FEI by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant.”
Speaking after the suspension was confirmed, the FEI president, Ingmar De Vos, said the governing body had no choice given the seriousness of the allegations.
“We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024,” he said. “However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised.”
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The announcement also sent shock waves through the Team GB camp, with senior officials caught unaware by the announcement. Dujardin was expected to have a strong chance of winning medals in both the individual and team event. Travelling reserve Becky Moody will take Dujardin’s place with Jägerbomb, along with Carl Hester and Charlotte Fry.
A British Olympic Association spokesperson said: “The BOA can confirm the withdrawal of Charlotte Dujardin from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and we acknowledge the seriousness with which she is taking this matter.
“As a result of her withdrawal, we will be applying to bring in a reserve athlete under the IOC’s Late Athlete Replacement rules.”
