Charlotte Dujardin suspended owing to conduct ‘opposite to the rules of horse welfare’

The FEI has provisionally suspended Charlotte Dujardin over a video that reveals her “partaking in conduct opposite to the rules of horse welfare”.

H&H reported this afternoon (23 July) that Charlotte had introduced she had withdrawn from the dressage crew for the Paris Olympics owing to an “error of judgement”, in a training session 4 years in the past, captured in a video that has emerged.

The FEI has now formally introduced she has been suspended from at the moment, pending the result of the investigation/disciplinary proceedings. British Equestrian has mirrored the suspension, so she could not take part in any nationwide or worldwide occasions throughout this time.

“On 22 July 2024, the FEI acquired a video depicting Ms Dujardin partaking in conduct opposite to the rules of horse welfare,” an FEI spokesperson mentioned. “This video was submitted to the FEI by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant.

“In line with the data acquired, the footage was allegedly taken a number of years in the past throughout a coaching session carried out by Ms Dujardin at a personal secure.

“Upon receiving the video, the FEI promptly initiated an investigation. As a part of this investigation, Ms Dujardin, British Equestrian and British Dressage have been knowledgeable of the allegations. Ms Dujardin was given a deadline of 17:00 Swiss time on 23 July to reply to the allegations. Subsequently, Ms Dujardin confirmed that she is the person depicted within the video and acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate.”

The FEI mentioned Charlotte requested to be provisionally suspended pending the result of the investigation, and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris Video games, in addition to confirming that she wouldn’t participate in any competitions whereas the investigation is ongoing.

“The FEI condemns any conduct opposite to the welfare of horses and has sturdy guidelines in place to deal with such behaviour,” the spokesperson mentioned. “Our dedication to making sure the very best requirements of equine welfare and sportsmanship stays unwavering.

“The FEI acknowledges the cooperation of Charlotte Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage with the continuing investigation and intends to proceed as swiftly as potential.”

Charlotte mentioned in her assertion at the moment: “What occurred was utterly out of character and doesn’t mirror how I practice my horses or coach my pupils, nonetheless there is no such thing as a excuse. I’m deeply ashamed and may have set a greater instance in that second.

“I’m sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I’ve let everybody down, together with Group GB, followers and sponsors.”

FEI president Ingmar de Vos mentioned the FEI was “deeply disenchanted with this case”, particularly because the Olympics are so close to.

“Nonetheless, it’s our accountability and essential that we handle any situations of abuse, as equine welfare can’t be compromised,” he mentioned.

“Charlotte has expressed real regret for her actions, and we recognise and recognize her willingness to take accountability. Regardless of the unlucky timing, we consider this motion reaffirms the FEI’s dedication to welfare because the guardians of our equine companions and the integrity of our sport.”

The FEI will make no extra feedback on the matter till the investigation is concluded.

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Captivated with equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all points of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of selection is showjumping, during which she competes her personal horses, and she or he additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals by way of to worldwide championships.