Olympic equestrian champion suspended for video of horse cruelty

VERSAILLES, France – The video footage that led to British Olympian Charlotte Dujardin’s withdrawal from the Paris Games shows her repeatedly hitting a horse’s legs, sparking a wider debate about equestrian sport just before the start of the Olympics.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) shocked the equestrian world on Tuesday 23 July by suspending six-time Olympic medalist Charlotte Dujardin – Britain’s most successful Olympian – for inappropriate training methods.

“First of all, what is shown in this video is completely unacceptable at any stage of a horse’s training,” FEI Veterinary Director Goran Akerstrom told Reuters.

“You can certainly see that some of the whiplashes hit the horse and caused it to be stressed,” he said, describing the whiplashes as “dumb” to the horse’s learning process.

After the Tokyo Olympics caused significant damage to its image, the FEI became aware of the challenge of improving horse welfare.

In 2021, one horse died in a cross-country accident, another suffered severe nosebleeds while show jumping, and scenes of abuse shocked spectators at a modern pentathlon competition.

FEI Chief Veterinarian Akerstrom said the FEI recently published an action plan with 37 measures to protect horses, including rules for tightening nosebands and flexible cross-country obstacles designed to prevent serious accidents.

The Dujardin video, which was broadcast on television, Good morning, Great Britain The news broadcast on Wednesday, July 24, will once again focus on equestrian sports.

“It is necessary that there is a change and the actions we take will lead to that change,” Akerstrom said.

“Incorrect assessment”

Dujardin did not comment further on the investigation, but the FEI said it was investigating an old video in which she behaved “in a way that violates the principles of horse welfare.”

“A four-year-old video has surfaced showing me making a judgment error during a coaching session,” the 39-year-old said in a statement on Instagram.

“Understandably, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is currently investigating and I have taken the decision to withdraw from all competitions during this process – including the Olympic Games in Paris.

“What happened was completely out of character for me and does not reflect how I train my horses or train my students, but there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”

The FEI said it received the video from a lawyer on Monday 22 July, but the plaintiff was unknown. The FEI did not elaborate on the incident.

Inadequate behaviour

“According to the information available, the recordings were allegedly made several years ago during a training session led by Ms Dujardin at a private stable,” the FEI said.

“Ms Dujardin was given a deadline of 23 July, 17:00 Swiss time, to respond to the allegations. Ms Dujardin subsequently confirmed that she is the person depicted in the video and acknowledged that her behaviour was inappropriate.

“Charlotte Dujardin requested a provisional suspension pending the outcome of the investigation and voluntarily withdrew from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.”

Dujardin also confirmed to the FEI that she will not compete in any competitions until the investigation is completed. She will also not be able to take part in any British Equestrian Federation events.

She said she was “sincerely sorry” for her behaviour and “devastated” for letting the team, fans and sponsors down.

“I will cooperate fully with the FEI, the British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage throughout the investigation and will not make any further comment until the process is complete,” she added.

The FEI did not name the lawyer, but Dutch website Horses said it was Stephan Wensing. The video showed Dujardin hitting a student’s horse with a whip.

“It is unacceptable that dressage sport is associated with animal cruelty,” Wensing was quoted as saying.

“If elite sport can only be practiced in a way that compromises the welfare of the horse, then elite sport should be abolished.”

Horse abuse came into the spotlight during the modern pentathlon at the Tokyo Olympics when a German trainer beat a horse that refused to jump an obstacle.

After the Paris Games, the equestrian part of the modern pentathlon will be replaced by steeplechase.

The animal rights organization PETA renewed its call for equestrian events to be excluded from the Olympic Games.

“The message to the International Olympic Committee should be clear by now: Remove equestrian sports from the Olympic Games,” PETA said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Once again, an Olympic rider has been filmed abusing a horse to force the animal to behave in completely unnatural ways, just for her own glory.

“Horses are not there willingly – they can only submit to force and coercion. It is time for the Olympic Games to enter the modern era.”

“Sincere remorse”

Dujardin won three gold, one silver and two bronze medals in individual and team dressage at the London, Rio and Tokyo Games.

With six medals, she is, along with cyclist Laura Kenny, the most decorated British Olympian.

“We are deeply disappointed by this case, especially with the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris in mind. However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address all cases of abuse, as the welfare of horses cannot be compromised,” said FEI President Ingmar De Vos.

“Charlotte has expressed sincere remorse for her actions and we recognize and appreciate her willingness to accept responsibility.

“Despite the unfortunate timing, we believe this action reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to the welfare of our equine partners and the integrity of our sport.”

Dujardin, who is ranked fourth in the FEI dressage world rankings, was due to ride the 11-year-old gelding Imhotep in Paris. She won team gold at the European Championships in September last year.

Becky Moody on Jagerbomb is the reserve rider for the British team. The equestrian competitions at the Paris Olympic Games begin on Saturday 27 July. – Rappler.com