The International Equestrian Federation has provisionally suspended British Olympian and world number four-ranked dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin. The decision came hours after Dujardin announced she was withdrawing from the Paris Olympics and all other competitive events following the release of a four-year-old video showing her allegedly making an “error in judgment” while coaching.
“The FEI received a video showing Mr Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to horse welfare principles” on Monday, July 22, the organization said in a statement. “The video was submitted to the FEI by lawyers representing the anonymous plaintiff. According to the information received, the footage was allegedly taken several years ago during a training session held by Mr Dujardin at his private stables.”
After receiving the video, the FEI launched an investigation and notified Dujardin, the British Equestrian Federation and the British Dressage Federation of the allegations against the jockey, giving Dujardin a deadline of 5pm Swiss time (11am Eastern time) to respond.
Dujardin confirmed to the FEI that he was the person in the video and that his behavior was inappropriate. In a statement, the FEI said Dujardin today “has requested a provisional suspension pending the outcome of an investigation and has voluntarily withdrawn from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.” (The FEI initially said the provisional suspension would be for six months, but quickly revised that to say the suspension would remain in place pending the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent disciplinary proceedings.)
Meanwhile, Dujardin posted a statement on social media explaining his decision.
“A video from four years ago has been made public in which I made an error of judgement during a coaching session. Naturally, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is investigating and I have decided to withdraw from all competitions, including the Paris Olympic Games, whilst this process takes place.”
“While what happened is completely out of character for me and does not reflect how I train horses or mentor my students, there are no excuses. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”
“I truly regret my actions and am devastated to have let everyone down – the British team, our fans and sponsors.
“I will cooperate fully with the FEI, British Equestrian and British Dressage in their investigation and will refrain from making any further comment until these have been completed.”
This video has not been made public.
“We are deeply disappointed by this incident as we approach the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. However, it is our responsibility and vitally important that we address all cases of abuse, as horse welfare cannot be compromised,” FEI president Ingmar de Vos said in an FEI statement. “Charlotte is sincerely remorseful for her actions and we acknowledge and appreciate her willingness to take responsibility. Despite the poor timing, we believe this action reaffirms the FEI's commitment to the welfare of our equine partners and the integrity of our sport as guardians.”
Dujardin rose to fame with Valegro, winning individual gold medals with him at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, and also won an individual bronze medal with Geo at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and holds gold, silver and bronze team Olympic medals. She was set to compete in the upcoming Olympics aboard Imhotep, which won the team silver medal at the 2022 Blue Oars Dressage World Championships in Denmark.
The reserve horses for the Olympic team are Becky Moody and Jagerbomb, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Dante Weltino OLD-Woody See, Jazz) owned and bred by Joe Cooper and jockey. Other members of the team are Carl Hester on Fame and Charlotte Fry on Glamourdale.
The FEI said it would not be making any further comment on the matter until the investigation is concluded “to preserve the integrity of the investigation.”
The Chronicle has also contacted the British Equestrian for comment.
