PA Media/DPA
London
Britain’s record-breaking Olympian Charlotte Dujardin has received a six-month provisional suspension from equestrian’s governing body with immediate effect.
Dujardin withdrew from the Paris Olympics over a video from four years ago showing her making “an error of judgement,” in her words, during a coaching session.
The three-time Olympic dressage champion said she would pull out of all competition while the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) investigates the incident.
Dujardin is Britain’s joint-most decorated Olympian, alongside cyclist Laura Kenny.
The FEI said it had received a video “depicting Ms Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare.”
The suspension bars Dujardin from any competitions or events under the FEI’s jurisdiction and those run by by a national federation.
The FEI added: “On 22 July, 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.
“Subsequently, Ms Dujardin confirmed that she is the individual depicted in the video and acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate.
“On 23 July, Charlotte Dujardin requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.” The video shows Dujardin repeatedly hitting a student’s horse with a whip from the ground, according to the Dutch website horses.nl.
In a statement to the PA news agency, Dujardin said: “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 competition - 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.”
