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MYSTERY surrounds a whistleblower who “couldn’t stand to see Charlotte Dujardin win” after sharing a video of her whipping a horse.
The six-time Olympic medallist, 39, pulled out of the upcoming Paris Olympics this week before the disturbing clip emerged online.
Marc Aspland - The TimesThe footage showed her hitting the horse with a long whip at least 25 times in 60 seconds during a lesson with a then 19-year-old female student at her private stable.
It comes as the Dutch lawyer who filed the complaint leading to her ban has now spoken out after video of the Team GB Olympian whipping a horse was released.
Stephan Wensing, filed a complaint with the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) and the British Equestrian Federation.
The complaint has come on behalf of a whistleblower who wishes to remain anonymous.
Mr Wensing’s told Dutch outlet Horses.nl his anonymous client had “long hesitated” about filing a complaint.
But they ultimately decided they “could not bring themselves to allow Dujardin to win medals at the Olympics” while knowing about the video.
Mr Wensing added: “It’s unacceptable that dressage sport should be accompanied by animal abuse.
“If top-level sport can only be performed in such a way that the welfare of the horse is compromised, then top-level sport should be abolished.
A video showed Dujardin whipping a horse several times with a long whip
She allegedly used the whip over 25 times in one minute“Everyone who deals with horses has their own responsibility in this, and this also applies to bystanders who become aware of excesses.
“Equestrian sport must regulate itself and ensure that there can never be a discussion about horse welfare in sport again.
“This is a very important task for the jury members who have lost sight of the core value of dressage for far too long and have overvalued spastic movements of horses.
“It’s 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.”
Following Wensing’s complaint the FEI launched a probe into the incident and handed Dujardin a provisional six-month ban.
Wensing had previously compared the treatment of the horse to that of “an elephant in a circus” and claimed it happened in 2022.
He told Good Morning Britain: “My client used to be a sponsor, and she was in the UK, and she sponsored a lesson for Charlotte to a student.
“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.
“This is not just one incident. My client has visited Charlotte Dujardin’s stable more times and she has seen it happen more times.”
Reuters
The Team GB star claimed the video was ‘completely out of character’Getty
Dujardin said she was “deeply ashamed” by her “error of judgement” in a coaching session “from four years ago”.
In a statement regarding her withdrawal from this summer’s games in Paris, she added: “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 competitions – 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.”
Dujardin’s six-month ban has ruined her chances of adding to her six Olympic medals, including three golds, this summer.
Meanwhile, her fiancee today broke his silence on his partner’s ban.
Speaking outside their home, he said: “I can’t say anything beyond Charlotte’s statement.
“All we can do is wait and see what happens.”
And ITV Racing’s Alice Fox-Pitt, wife of three-time Team GB Olympic medallist William Fox-Pitt, thinks the scandal will take a huge hit on Dujardin’s career.
She said: “She will be hung, drawn and quartered. This will be her defining legacy. Her professional career is in tatters.”
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.
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