5 months ago
30
THE Charlotte Dujardin scandal “smells of sabotage” after a video of the Team GB star whipping a horse was leaked just days before the Olympics, an expert has said.
Six-time Olympic medallist Dujardin sensationally pulled out of Paris 2024 in disgrace this week after being suspended.
PA
Footage of the dressage rider beating a horse with a whip saw her lose her fundingDujardin quit the Paris Olympics on Tuesday after a clip emerged that showed her beating a horse 25 times on its legs with a long whip.
The footage showed Dujardin hitting the horse during a lesson with a 19-year-old female student at her private stable – with the whistleblower being a sponsor of the girl who was riding the horse in the video.
Britain’s greatest horsewoman said she was “deeply ashamed” by her “error of judgement” in a coaching session “from four years ago”.
Now, Madeline Hall, former dressage correspondent at Horse & Hound magazine, has told the Daily Mail that the leak “smells of sabotage”.
She said: “The timing of this video days before the Olympics smells of sabotage.
“To me it is suspect.”
The FEI, the sport’s governing body, launched a probe into the incident and handed Dujardin a provisional six-month ban.
She has also been stripped of her funding and her chances of getting a Damehood have gone up in smoke following the scandal.
And she has been axed as an ambassador by horse welfare charity Brooke.
Had Dujardin won an Olympic medal of any colour next week, she would have seven on her CV from four Games, which would have overtaken Laura Kenny’s cycling record of six.
The Enfield-born competitor would have been all-but-certain to be handed a Damehood in the King’s New Year’s Honours List.
But Whitehall sources said any such honour is now off the table.
And the CBE that she received in 2017 for services to equestrianism could be under review by the Honours committee – though there is a high bar to strip someone of a gong.
On Wednesday, UK Sport announced that her funding had been suspended pending the conclusion of a FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) investigation.
A UK Sport spokesperson said: “We expect all staff and athletes in Olympic and Paralympic sport to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour, ethics and integrity.
“We are disturbed by the serious concerns that have been raised in the past 24 hours regarding horse welfare and Charlotte Dujardin.
“Sport national governing bodies are required to notify us when they become aware of any conduct-related issues involving a World Class Programme athlete or member of staff so it can be reviewed under the Funding Eligibility Policy.”
It comes as a Dutch lawyer claimed that the anonymous whistleblower “couldn’t stand to watch her win a medal at Paris 2024”.
Stephan Wensing, who shared the video, had previously compared the treatment to that of “an elephant in a circus” and claimed it happened in 2022.
FEI statement in full on Charlotte Dujardin
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.
The lawyer for the complainant – who is a sponsor for the 19-year-old English rider in the offending video – says the amateur star was frightened about taking on Dujardin.
Mr Wensing told SunSport: “When this happened, she spoke with others from the UK and other people in the scene.
“And they all warned her, don’t do this, don’t mention this, otherwise they’re going after you.
“So, she was really, really afraid. At the beginning, she was thinking, well Charlotte Dujardin is the best rider in the world, she knows what she’s doing.
“Who am I to think that what she’s doing is wrong?
“That was the first part. Then she was doubting it. She was thinking, no this is horse abuse, this is not acceptable.
“First, she was afraid. She said, I am not brave enough.
“This weekend, she told me, I want to continue, I want to complain, I want to make sure the world knows this. To help dressage.
“And to make sure also other riders will get a lesson that this is not how you treat horses.”
Charlotte Dujardin's 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.”
Bengali (BD) · 
English (US) ·