Charlotte Dujardin, Britain’s three-time Olympic champion, has been banned from Paris 2024 over allegations she whipped a horse 24 times “like an elephant in the circus”.
The leading dressage star, who could have become Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, said she was “deeply ashamed” after footage, which could become public on Wednesday, was sent to authorities.
As shock waves spread through the Team GB camp in France, Dujardin admitted she had made “error of judgment” during a coaching session involving a 19-year-old rider in Gloucestershire.
The 39-year-old immediately stood down from Team GB before being provisionally suspended for six months by equestrian’s governing body the FEI.
The FEI confirmed it had footage showing her “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare – during a training session conducted at Ms Dujardin’s private stable”.
Authorities declined to comment on the detail of the video involved, but, in an interview with The Telegraph, the whistleblower’s lawyer, Stephan Wensing, said Dujardin’s actions were “really harsh”.
“My client used to be a sponsor, and she was in the UK, and she sponsored a lesson for Charlotte to a student,” he explained. “It was a young girl of 19 years old riding her horse, and she got a lesson from Charlotte Dujardin in the UK.
“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 and really hard, really harsh, really tough.”
He added it was like “an elephant in the circus”.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” the lawyer said. “It has no goal. It is unbelievable. 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.”
Over the weekend, he added, “she eventually made a decision to let me admit the complaint to the FEI”, who “took this immediately very seriously”.
Dujardin has not commented specifically on the contents of the video but said the incident took place four years ago. Wensing said the incident took place in 2022.
There was an immediate sense of despair across the sport on Tuesday that one of its most famous names had been tainted by animal welfare allegations. The technique of the ‘piaffe’ – the slow-motion trot – dates back to the Renaissance. Those teaching the piaffe generally do so by tapping the horse very lightly, just to encourage it to lift its legs.
‘Rider has not taken any responsibility and this cannot go unpunished’
The world of equestrian was already on high alert over its public perception at the Games. There is a special officer in Paris overseeing welfare, Telegraph Sport has been told.
British Equestrian declined to comment on allegations of whipping, but chief executive Jim Eyre said: “The allegations made are serious and the consequences far-reaching but upholding the integrity of our sport remains our priority – we are privileged to enjoy the company of horses; we must never compromise on their well-being.”
Dujardin had been first to go public to reveal she had been accused, posting on social media that she has pulled out of all competition while the FEI investigated the incident. Senior figures within Team GB were caught unawares.
“What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils,” she said in a statement. “However, there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”
Wensing had told news outlets in his native Netherlands: “It is extremely sad that one of the most successful riders in the world has to pay the price. But this rider has also not taken any responsibility and this cannot go unpunished. The federations and in particular the FEI can be expected to take even more adequate action against animal abuse, precisely to ensure the continued existence of equestrian sports.”
The FEI’s horse abuse provisions are dealt with under article 142 of its regulations and allow for the rider to be disciplined even when the incident happened out of competition.
Rumours that a damning video existed were spreading among equestrian insiders prior to the announcement. Susan Wachowich, of Dressage Hub, posted a video on Facebook claiming authorities had been called in.
A top US dressage rider, Cesar Parra, is currently provisionally suspended by the FEI over horse welfare issues. Sir Mark Todd was also caught up in a controversy two years’ ago over a video of him hitting a horse 10 times with a branch.
Dujardin needed a medal of any colour to take her clear of former cyclist Dame Laura Kenny, with whom she is currently tied on six medals in the British all-time medal table for women.
Dujardin won team and individual gold medals at the London 2012 Games on horse Valegro and the pair went on to win individual gold and team silver four years later in Rio. On a different horse, Gio, she won two bronzes at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games.
She had been set to compete in the individual dressage and team event alongside Carl Hester and world champion Lottie Fry, on new horse Imhotep. Travelling reserve Becky Moody will take Dujardin’s place with Jagerbomb.
A British Olympic Association spokesman said: “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,” the BOA added.
“The BOA takes animal welfare extremely seriously, and we believe that everyone has a responsibility for ensuring the well-being of horses.”
The FEI added in its statement that its “decision renders her ineligible to participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games or any other events under the jurisdiction of the FEI”.
“In addition, the British Equestrian Federation has mirrored this provisional suspension, which also makes Ms Dujardin ineligible to compete in any national events during this period,” the statement said.
‘Charlotte has expressed genuine remorse for her actions’
The FEI confirmed it received a video on Monday. “Upon receiving the video, the FEI promptly initiated an investigation,” the statement added. “As part of this investigation, Ms Dujardin, British Equestrian and British Dressage were informed of the allegations.
“Ms Dujardin was given a deadline of 5pm Swiss time on July 23 to respond to the allegations. Subsequently, Ms Dujardin confirmed that she is the individual depicted in the video and acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate... The FEI condemns any conduct contrary to the welfare of horses and has robust rules in place to address such behaviour. Our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of equine welfare and sportsmanship remains unwavering.”
FEI President Ingmar De Vos said: “We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised.
“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.”
The FEI also confirmed that a complaint of “animal cruelty” was filed on Monday.
The whistleblower is considering her options about releasing the video to the public on Wednesday.
