Charlotte Dujardin Provisional Suspension: Britain’s Olympian Withdraws from Competitions

Charlotte Dujardin, one of Britain’s most decorated female Olympians, has been provisionally suspended by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for equestrian sports. The suspension comes in the wake of a video that has raised concerns about horse welfare practices, prompting Dujardin to withdraw from all competitions, including Paris 2024.

The FEI received footage showing the three-time Olympic gold medalist “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare during a training session at Ms. Dujardin’s private stable.” A legal representative for the claimant who filed the complaint to the FEI stated that the video depicts Dujardin “beating a horse excessively with a whip.” This incident reportedly occurred several years ago.

In a letter accompanying the complaint, the claimant’s lawyer acknowledged the potential consequences of the complaint for Dujardin, including disciplinary action. “My client had to think long and hard about whether to bring this to your attention this way,” the lawyer wrote.

Dujardin, who confirmed she is the individual in the video, has expressed deep regret over her actions. “What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils,” she stated. “However, there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”

The FEI initially announced a six-month suspension, but it later clarified that the ban would remain in place pending the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent disciplinary proceedings. Dujardin has decided to “withdraw from all competition while this process takes place.”

Both British Equestrian (BEF) and British Dressage (BD) have also imposed provisional suspensions on Dujardin while the FEI investigation is ongoing. FEI President Ingmar De Vos emphasized the importance of addressing any instances of abuse, stating, “It is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised.”

Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare, stressed the significance of maintaining public trust in equestrian sports. “We know that a successful future for horse sport has public trust at the centre of it,” Owers said. “If that trust is damaged, it will damage the sport. This is another massive wake-up call for anyone who thinks this is not important, because it most certainly is.”

The FEI has stated that it intends to proceed with its investigation as swiftly as possible. As the situation unfolds, Dujardin’s career, marked by six Olympic medals, remains in a state of uncertainty as she awaits the investigation’s outcome