Charlotte Dujardin, Britain’s joint-most decorated female Olympian, has been provisionally suspended by the FEI, equestrian’s governing body.
The dressage star had already withdrawn from Paris 2024 after a video surfaced that she acknowledged showed her “making an error of judgment.”
The FEI stated it had received footage depicting the three-time Olympic gold medallist “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare during a training session at Ms. Dujardin’s private stable.”
A lawyer representing the claimant who filed an official complaint against Dujardin to the FEI said in a letter seen by the BBC that “the video shows Ms. Dujardin excessively beating a horse with a whip.”
They added: “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.”
BBC Sport has not viewed the video in question.
However, the FEI stated that Dujardin confirmed she was the individual in the video, which was “filmed several years ago,” and “requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations.”
The organization initially announced a six-month suspension but later clarified that the ban would “remain in place pending the outcome of the investigation/disciplinary proceedings.”
While the ban remains provisional during the FEI’s investigation, Dujardin, who has six Olympic medals in total, has said she will “withdraw from all competition while this 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,” she said in statement.
“I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”
Both the British Equestrian (BEF) and British Dressage (BD) have also imposed a provisional suspension on Dujardin pending the outcome of the FEI investigation.
In a statement the FEI added it “intends to proceed [its investigation] as swiftly as possible”.
“It is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised,” said FEI president Ingmar De Vos.
“Charlotte [Dujardin] 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.”
At the last Olympics in Tokyo in 2021, German modern pentathlon coach Kim Raisner was disqualified for appearing to punch a horse.
That incident led to a major overhaul of the event, with the equestrian element being replaced by an obstacle course.
Becky Moody and her horse Jagerbomb are the alternate combination for Team GB’s dressage.
The British Olympic Association (BOA) stated that it “will be applying to bring in a reserve athlete under the IOC’s Late Athlete Replacement rules.”
It added: “The BOA takes animal welfare extremely seriously, and we believe that everyone has a responsibility for ensuring the wellbeing of horses.”
British Dressage chief executive Jason Brautigam said: “These historic allegations are deeply upsetting for everyone involved in our sport, but we fully support the FEI investigation and will take any appropriate disciplinary action when this process is complete.”
British Equestrian chief executive Jim Eyre said the BEF would “fully comply with any [FEI] requests to fulfil their investigation”.
He added: “As the guardians of equestrian sport, we must uphold the highest standards of equine welfare – the horse’s wellbeing is paramount.”
Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare, said: “We know that a successful future for horse sport has public trust at the centre of it. The public has to trust that equestrians are caring and are treating their horses with respect, compassion and understanding.
“If that trust is damaged it will damage the sport. This is another massive wake-up call for anyone who thinks this is not important, because it most certainly is.”
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