Charlotte Dujardin, a three-time Olympic equestrian champion in dressage, has been provisionally suspended by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) following the surfacing of a video from 2019. The video reportedly depicts conduct described as “contrary to the principles of horse welfare,” which includes her allegedly whipping a horse during a training session. The FEI launched an investigation, and Dujardin admitted to the behavior, calling it “an error of judgment” and expressing deep remorse. She emphasized that the incident was uncharacteristic and vowed full cooperation with the ongoing inquiry.
The suspension coincides with her decision to withdraw from the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was set to compete in both team and individual dressage events. Her withdrawal also ended her bid to become the most decorated female British Olympian in history, a record she shares with cyclist Laura Kenny at six medals. The timing of this investigation, just before the Olympics, has brought significant scrutiny, but Dujardin’s apology and commitment to accountability have been acknowledged by equestrian officials.
This case underscores the FEI’s strict commitment to equine welfare and highlights the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in high-stakes sports.
A complaint was made to the FEI by Dutch equine lawyer Stephan Wensing on behalf of an unnamed client.
Dujardin cannot compete again until July next year, with the suspension back-dated to July 23 of this year. The FEI’s sanction, for “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare,” also included a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs ($11,300).
In its ruling, the FEI said it considered that the video “constituted the only occurrence of horse abuse committed by” Dujardin and therefore viewed it as an “isolated incident.”
The 39-year-old Dujardin won gold at the 2012 London Olympics in team and individual dressage and won another individual gold at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. She took bronze in team and individual at the Tokyo Games in 2021 and a silver in the team event in Rio.