Equestrian athlete Charlotte Dujardin must not participate in the Olympic Games after alleged horse abuse
Charlotte Dujardin
Karwai Tang/WireImageBritish equestrian sport Charlotte Dujardin announced she has withdrawn from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris after footage emerged of her allegedly hitting one of her horses.
Dujardin, 39, took to social media on Tuesday, July 23, to share the news and apologize for her actions as the investigation into the incident by the International Equestrian Federation continues. Her withdrawal comes just days before the Olympic Games start on Friday, July 26.
“A video has surfaced from four years ago of me making an error in judgment during a coaching session,” Dujardin wrote via Instagram on Tuesday. “I have made the decision to withdraw from all competitions – including the Paris Olympics – while this process takes place.”
She continued: “What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my students, but there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example at that time.”
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The British native, who has won a total of six Olympic medals during her career, added that she was “sincerely sorry” for her actions and “devastated” that she had “let everyone down”, including her British team, fans and sponsors. .
“I will co-operate fully with the FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage during their investigation and will make no further comment until the process is complete,” she concluded.
According to The guarda 19-year-old former student witnessed the alleged animal abuse during a lesson at a private stable and filed a complaint against Dujardin. Lawyer Stephen Wensingwho represents the teenager, shared in a statement that he was pleased that the FEI has taken such a strong stand.
“Charlotte Dujardin stood in the middle of the arena,” Wensing said The guard. “She said to the student: ‘Your horse needs to lift its legs more when galloping.’ She took the long whip and hit the horse more than 24 times in one minute. It was like an elephant in the circus.”
Wensing claimed the student initially thought the alleged behavior “must be normal” and was “warned not to speak out in Britain” before eventually changing his mind.
“But last year my client saw others suspended in Britain and elsewhere,” Wensing’s statement continued. “And this weekend she finally made the decision to allow me to file the complaint with the FEI and that happened yesterday. The FEI immediately took this very seriously.”
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Also the FEI released a statement on Tuesday, noting that it had received the images of Dujardin on Monday, July 22, where she was reportedly seen “engaged in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare.”
“We are deeply disappointed by this matter, especially as we approach the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any cases of abuse as the welfare of horses must not be compromised,” says FEI President Ingmar de Vos said. “Charlotte has expressed sincere remorse for her actions, and we recognize and appreciate her willingness to take responsibility. Despite the unfortunate timing, we believe this action reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to the welfare as guardians of our equine partners and the integrity of our sport.”
