5 months ago
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A VIDEO showing Charlotte Dujardin whipping a horse has rocked the Olympic and horse riding world.
The six-time Olympic medal winner has been handed a provisional six-month ban after the FEI, the sport’s governing body, launched a probe into the shocking video.
AP
The video showed Dujardin whipping a horse several times with a long whip
She allegedly used the whip over 25 times in one minuteDujardin hasn’t just been slapped with a lengthy ban either, but has also been axed as an ambassador for a horse welfare charity.
The Team GB star withdrew from the Paris Olympics prior to the release of the video and said she was “deeply ashamed” by her “error of judgement” in a coaching session “from four years ago”.
The footage showed Dujardin hitting the horse with a long whip 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.
The whistleblower’s lawyer 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.
Dujardin will now miss the Paris 2024 Olympics, pulling out days before the opening ceremony.
Britain’s greatest horsewoman has been replaced in Team GB by Becky Moody who will be making her Olympic debut as Dujardin’s alternative.
Dressage fans are excited to see the Yorkshire native take to the biggest stage after she represented Great Britain at Nations Cup level.
But fans are also stunned to learn the peculiar name of her horse that will be replacing Dujardin’s Gio.
AlamyMoody will be riding her horse Jaegerbomb, which she bred herself.
Fans can’t believe the unusual name, seemingly chosen as a nod to the popular alcoholic drink, and took to social media to react.
One wrote: “Very excited to hear that Dujardin’s replacement will be riding a horse named Jaegerbomb.”
While another added: “Sorry, I know we’re all talking about Charlotte Dujardin at the moment but have we all clocked the name of the replacement horse?!”
And a third posted: “Jaegerbomb?! Now we’re talking.”
Dujardin’s time with Team GB could come to a permanent end after the controversial video.
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.
Dujardin herself released a statement regarding her withdrawal from the Olympics.
It read: “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.
Reuters
The Team GB star claimed the video was ‘completely out of character’Getty
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