Team GB legend Charlotte Dujardin has been provisionally suspended for six months after a video emerged showing her ‘engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare’.
Equestrian star Dujardin, Britain’s joint-most decorated female Olympian, pulled out of the Paris Olympics on Tuesday afternoon, just days away from the start of competition in the French capital.
The 39-year-old announced her decision to withdraw after a video, taken four years ago, emerged in which she made an ‘error of judgement’.
The International Federation for Equestrian Sports [FEI] has now confirmed they received the footage on Monday, immediately launching an investigation during which Dujardin confirmed she was the individual depicted in the video.
The FEI’s announcement comes amid claims Dujardin was recorded repeatedly hitting a horse on the legs.
A statement from equestrian’s governing body said: ‘The FEI has officially announced the provisional suspension of British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin for a period of six months, effective immediately from the date of notification, 23 July 2024.
‘This decision renders her ineligible to participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games or any other events under the jurisdiction of the FEI.
Dujardin won gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics (Picture: Getty)
‘During this period of suspension, she is prohibited from participating in any activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any competition or event under the jurisdiction of a National Federation (NF).
‘This also includes any FEI or NF-related activities. 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.
‘On 22 July 2024, the FEI received a video depicting Ms. Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. This video was submitted to the FEI by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant.
‘According to the information received, the footage was allegedly taken several years ago during a training session conducted by Ms. Dujardin at a private stable.
Charlotte Dujardin full statement
A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session.
Understandably, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is investigating and I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition – including the Paris Olympics – 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. 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 cooperate fully with the FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage during their investigations, and will not be commenting further until the process is complete.
‘Upon receiving the video, the FEI promptly initiated an investigation. As part of this investigation, Ms. Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage were informed of the allegations.
‘Ms Dujardin was given a deadline of 17:00 Swiss time on 23 July 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.
‘On 23 July 2024, Charlotte Dujardin requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and also confirmed that she will not participate in any competitions pending the outcome of the FEI’s investigation.’
In their statement, the FEI added Dujardin had ‘expressed genuine remorse for her actions.’
FEI statement in full on Dujardin investigation
The FEI has officially announced the provisional suspension of British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin (FEI ID: 10028440) for a period of six months, effective immediately from the date of notification, 23 July 2024.
This decision renders her ineligible to participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games or any other events under the jurisdiction of the FEI.
During this period of suspension, she is prohibited from participating in any activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any competition or event under the jurisdiction of a National Federation (NF). This also includes any FEI or NF-related activities. 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.
On 22 July 2024, the FEI received a video depicting Ms. Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. This video was submitted to the FEI by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant. According to the information received, the footage was allegedly taken several years ago during a training session conducted by Ms. Dujardin at a private stable.
Upon receiving the video, the FEI promptly initiated an investigation. As part of this investigation, Ms. Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage were informed of the allegations. Ms Dujardin was given a deadline of 17:00 Swiss time on 23 July 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.
On 23 July 2024, Charlotte Dujardin requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and also confirmed that she will not participate in any competitions pending the outcome of the FEI’s investigation.
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.
The FEI acknowledges the cooperation of Charlotte Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage with the ongoing investigation and intends to proceed as swiftly as possible.
“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,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
“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.”
To maintain the integrity of the investigation, the FEI will refrain from making further comments on this matter until the process is concluded.
In her own statement released earlier on Tuesday afternoon, Dujardin said: ‘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.’
Dujardin is one of the most decorated dressage riders of her era and claimed two gold medals at her home London Olympics in 2012.
She enjoyed further success on superstar Valegro in Rio four years later, winning gold in the individual dressage and silver in the team event.
Dujardin was going for gold in Paris after taking home two bronze medals at Tokyo 2020.
As well as pulling out of the Games, Dujardin is also under investigation from the British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage.
The three-time Olympic champion was due to compete in both the individual dressage and team event in Paris alongside Carl Hester and world champion Lottie Fry.
A medal of any colour would have seen Dujardin become the most-decorated British female Olympian in history, surpassing cycling legend Laura Kenny.
In the days leading up to the start of Paris 2024, Dujardin said it felt ‘surreal’ to be on the cusp of becoming Great Britain’s most successful female Olympian.
‘It will be one of the most incredible moments if that does happen,’ she told BBC Sport. ‘But I don’t put any pressure on myself to make that happen.
‘It’s a brilliant team with Carl and Lottie. I’ll be in it to win it. For sure I’m not going down without a fight. That’s the sort of person I am. I’m very, very competitive.’
The dressage competition at Paris 2024 begins on July 30 and will be held at the iconic Chateau de Versailles.
Becky Moody is expected to replace Dujardin for Team GB’s team event with her horse Jagerbomb.
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