Equestrian gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin withdraws from Olympics after video shows her mistreating a horse

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has imposed a provisional suspension on British Olympian and World No. 4-ranked dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin. This decision followed her announcement of withdrawal from the upcoming Paris Olympics and all competitions, prompted by the emergence of a four-year-old video depicting her “making an error of judgment” during a coaching session.

In a statement, the FEI reported that they received the video on Monday, July 22. The footage, reportedly taken several years ago during a training session at a private stable, was submitted by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant. The video allegedly shows Dujardin engaging in conduct that contravenes the principles of horse welfare. The FEI promptly initiated an investigation, notifying Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage of the allegations, and set a deadline for Dujardin to respond.

Dujardin acknowledged her actions in the video as inappropriate and requested to be provisionally suspended while the investigation is underway. She also voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The FEI initially stated that the provisional suspension would last six months but later clarified that it would remain in effect pending the investigation’s outcome and any subsequent disciplinary actions.

In a social media post, Dujardin elaborated on her decision:

 

“A video has surfaced from four years ago showing me making an error of judgment during a coaching session. The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is understandably investigating, and I have decided 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 at that moment.

“I sincerely apologize for my actions and am 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.”

FEI President Ingmar De Vos expressed disappointment over the incident, particularly with the Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon. “However, it is our duty and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised,” De Vos stated. “Charlotte Dujardin has expressed genuine 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 welfare as the guardians of our equine partners and the integrity of our sport.”

British Equestrian released a statement on July 23, confirming that Dujardin is also provisionally suspended from both British Equestrian and British Dressage while the investigation is ongoing. British Equestrian Chief Executive Jim Eyre emphasized the organization’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of equine welfare, stating, “We have been in close liaison with the FEI on the matter and will fully comply with any requests to fulfill their investigation and support the robust processes around such complaints. The allegations made are serious and the consequences far-reaching, but upholding the integrity of our sport remains our priority—we are privileged to enjoy the company of horses; we must never compromise on their wellbeing. We will continue to work with the FEI and Charlotte Dujardin to complete the process.”

Jason Brautigam, Chief Executive of British Dressage, echoed these sentiments, stating, “At British Dressage, our commitment is to ‘bring people and horses together in harmony,’ and as part of this, we constantly strive to achieve the highest standards of horse care.

We do not condone any behavior that goes against our guiding principles and take a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of our equine welfare policies. These historic allegations are deeply upsetting for everyone involved in our sport, but we fully support the FEI investigation and will take any appropriate disciplinary action when this process is complete. Our priority now is to rally behind our athletes and horses representing Team GB in Paris as they showcase the best of our sport on the world stage.”

Dujardin rose to prominence with Valegro, with whom she won individual gold at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. She also secured an individual bronze with Gio in Tokyo 2021 and holds team gold, silver, and bronze Olympic medals. She had been selected to ride Imhotep, with whom she won team silver at the Blue Hors Dressage World Championship in Denmark in 2022, at the upcoming Games.

The reserve combination for the Olympic team is Becky Moody and Jagerbomb, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Dante Weltino OLD—Udysee, Jazz) owned by Jo Cooper and the rider, and bred by the Charlotte Dujardin. Carl Hester on Fame and Charlotte Dujardin Fry on Glamourdale are the other members of the team.

The FEI has stated that no further comments will be made on this matter until the investigation concludes, to maintain the integrity of the process.