Charlotte Dujardin Suspended for One Year Over Horse-Whipping Incident, Withdraws from Paris 2024 Olympics

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Charlotte Dujardin
Charlotte Dujardin

Three-time Olympic equestrian gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin has been handed a one-year suspension after a horse-whipping controversy, which led to her withdrawal from the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The suspension follows an investigation into a video that surfaced from 2019, where Dujardin was seen repeatedly whipping a horse while coaching another rider. This incident raised concerns about her treatment of horses and her adherence to animal welfare standards, resulting in her temporary removal from competition.

Provisional Suspension and Legal Complaint Filed by Dutch Lawyer

The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) imposed a provisional suspension on Dujardin on July 23, 2023. This suspension came as the FEI initiated a formal investigation into the horse-whipping video.

Charlotte Dujardin
Charlotte Dujardin

The complaint was filed by Dutch equine lawyer Stephan Wensing on behalf of an unnamed client, who raised alarm over Dujardin’s behavior in the video. The governing body took swift action to investigate the matter, prioritizing the protection and welfare of the horses involved in equestrian sports.

FEI’s Sanctions: Fine Imposed Alongside Suspension

Following its investigation, the FEI announced a one-year suspension for Dujardin, which will remain in effect until July 2024. Additionally, the rider was fined 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately $11,300) for her actions.

Despite the severity of the sanctions, Dujardin accepted the ruling and confirmed she would not appeal. The FEI’s investigation concluded that the video represented an isolated incident, with no other instances of abuse linked to Dujardin during her career.

Charlotte Dujardin has a decorated Olympic career, having won multiple gold medals in dressage. She earned individual and team gold at the London 2012 Olympics and another individual gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

In addition, she won team and individual bronze medals at the Tokyo 2020 Games, as well as a silver in Rio’s team event. Although her suspension has cast a shadow on her achievements, Dujardin remains one of the most accomplished equestrians in the history of the sport.

By Robert Jackson

An avid football fan (A red). And an Otaku by the definition of the word.

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