Charlotte Dujardin — Team GB’s joint-most decorated female Olympian — has been suspended from equestrian for one year after “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare.”
The sport’s governing body, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), confirmed on Thursday Dujardin would be suspended from competing until July 23, 2025, and fined 10,000 Swiss Francs (£8,884; $11,300).
Dujardin’s sanction comes after a video emerged in July 2024 of the double Olympic dressage champion whipping a horse repeatedly four years previously, which saw her withdraw from the Paris Olympic Games. The time already served during her provisional suspension will count towards the FEI punishment.
During the suspension period, the 39-year-old is prohibited from participating in all activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or of a National Federation.
After the video emerged in the summer, Dujardin withdrew from the Paris Games and said she had made “an error of judgement” during a coaching session. The FEI, British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and British Dressage subsequently launched a disciplinary process, with the latter two bodies reciprocating the FEI’s ban.
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The FEI added that since the video emerged, it has not received any further complaints about Dujardin’s conduct.
Dujardin said at the time that the incident was “completely out of character” and “does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils”, adding that she was “deeply ashamed” of the footage.
Charlotte Dujardin, Britain’s joint-most decorated female Olympian, has been provisionally suspended & will not compete at Paris 2024.
This video has emerged of the dressage star which she said showed her ‘making an error of judgement’. pic.twitter.com/PQ9rPQTD04
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) July 24, 2024
FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibanez said on Thursday: “It is regrettable that this case has put our sport in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, especially during a critical time leading up to the Olympic Games. Yet, despite the challenges, the FEI acted decisively by immediately opening an investigation and imposing a provisional suspension.
“These significant sanctions send a clear message that anyone, regardless of their profile, who engages in conduct that compromises the welfare of the horse will face serious consequences. We believe this outcome reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to equine welfare and to its role as guardian of our equine partners.”
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) said after the initial investigation was opened: “We welcome that this has already been referred to a relevant authority and that the FEI is investigating. We are ready to provide any support to their work, if required.”
Dujardin has won six Olympic medals across the three Games she has competed at. She won two golds in the individual and team dressage at London 2012, before defending her individual gold at Rio 2016 and winning silver in the team event. Dujardin then claimed two bronze medals at Tokyo.
Her medal haul leaves her level with cyclist Laura Kenny, who won five golds and one silver across three Games. With Kenny retiring ahead of Paris, any medal for Dujardin earlier this year would have made her Britain’s most decorated female Olympian.
Dujardin had been due to compete in the team and individual dressage in Paris.
(Top image: Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images)
