Elma Taric
Charlotte Dujardin, the world renowned dressage champion, has been accused of alleged horse abuse.
The allegations have risen as graphic video evidence surfaces of her whipping a horse excessively. The residing equestrian authority, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), has suspended the competitor. Dujardin herself decided to pull out of the Olympics following backlash.
Who Is Charlotte Dujardin?
Regarded as one of the best equestrian athletes, Charlotte Dujardin is a British world and Olympic champion in the sport of dressage. She has earned the titles multiple times, and has won six Olympic medals.
Her accolades have currently tied her with cyclist Laura Kenny as the most decorated British female Olympian.
Dujardin was supposed to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics under Great Britain as lead contender. Following an official animal abuse complaint made by an unknown individual, she withdrew from the games.
Equestrian sports have had their fair share of controversy. In a similar event, Dujardin was disqualified from the 2019 European Dressage Championships when blood was found on her horse. Additionally, during the 2021 Olympic Games, German coach Kim Raisner was expelled after allegedly punching athlete Annika Schleu’s horse.
FEI Response
The graphic video shows Dujardin repeatedly hitting the horse with a whip—a whopping 24 times in a minute. The video is reported to be filmed several years ago during a coaching session. The young rider in question filed a complaint to the FEI against Dujardin—of which the video is part of, after being pressured by those in the UK sports community to keep quiet. Stephan Wensing, her lawyer, affirms this is not an isolated incident.
Dressage is a sport that involves training a horse to execute precise movements. Therefore, whips can be used in practice areas under the rules of the FEI. However, animal welfare is prioritised. Excessive or improper use is be considered abuse, and abuse of an animal with natural or artifical aids such as whips, is forbidden.
Accordingly, the FEI has taken action and suspended Dujardin for six months, with the President, Ingmar De Vos, stating: “We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised.”
Moreover, FEI veterinarian director Goran Akerstrom supported the FEI ruling and told Reuters: “what is shown in the video is first of all completely unacceptable at any point, any time during a horse’s training.”
Public Reaction
Subsequently, public outrage has emerged on social media from the community. Ten board members of the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) have joined to sign a letter against Dujardin. The letter details a ‘universal condemning’ of Dujardin’s actions and promotes ‘ethical horse training.’ Carl Hester, a mentor and teammate of Dujardin’s, was one of the members who signed.
“PETA called for equestrian related sports to be removed from the Olympics and banned altogether”
Similarly, equestrian and horse welfare associations have upheld the FEI’s decision. Executives of the British Equestrian Federation and World Horse Welfare have called for greater equine care and transparency with the public.
Animal rights groups such as PETA called for equestrian related sports to be removed from the Olympics and banned altogether, pointing to the numerous controversies that have hit the sport. Brooke, an organisation dedicated to horse welfare, have even dropped Dujardin as their ambassador.
Fans alike have disproven Dujardin’s behaviour, with many negative reactions from equestrian lovers spreading across numerous social websites.
Dujardin’s Statement
Dujardin has since released a public statement. She confirms she was positively identified in the video, expressing remorse at her actions. “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.”
The dressage champion herself requested to pull out of the Olympics, citing an utmost cooperation wth the FEI and other governing bodies.
Following her removal and the FEI’s pending investigation, Dujardin was replaced by reserve equestrian Becky Moody.
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Featured image courtesy of Markus Spiske on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image licence found here.
Elma T.
Elma Taric is a Psychology and Criminology student based in Australia. She has aspirations of working in the Criminal Justice and Journalism industries and currently writes pieces on news, entertainment and sports.