Warning: This article contains images and video which some readers may find distressing.
A Team GB Olympian who was filmed whipping a horse during a coaching session has received her punishment.
A video from four years ago showed six-time Olympic medallist Charlotte Dujardin whipping the animal 'more than 24 times in one minute'.
Advert
After sharing the clip earlier this year, Dutch equine lawyer Stephan Wensing filed a complaint on behalf of an unnamed client.
Dujardin, 39, was provisionally banned by the equestrian’s governing body, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, on 23 July while the investigation took place.
In a statement from July, Dujardin said: "A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session."
She added: "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.
Advert
"I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors."
Dujardin has now been suspended from all competition for one year and fined for her actions.
She won't be able to compete until July next year, as the suspension has been back-dated.
In a statement, the FEI said: “The FEI has suspended British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardinfor one year and imposed a fine of CHF 10,000 (£8,881), effectively concluding the disciplinary proceedings against her.
Advert
“Dujardin has been provisionally suspended since 23 July 2024 for engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. The time served during her provisional suspension will be credited towards the one-year suspension.
“During her suspension, Dujardin is prohibited from participating in all activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or of a National Federation.
“British Equestrian and British Dressage have reciprocated the suspension, resulting in Dujardin’s ineligibility to compete in any national competition or training events during this period.”
This comes after Wensing, the lawyer for the whistleblower, told outlet Horses.nl that his anonymous client initially 'hesitated' about filing the complaint.
Advert
Wensing said: "It’s unacceptable that dressage sport should be accompanied by animal abuse.
“If top-level sport can only be performed in such a way that the welfare of the horse is compromised, then top-level sport should be abolished.
“Everyone who deals with horses has their own responsibility in this, and this also applies to bystanders who become aware of excesses.
“Equestrian sport must regulate itself and ensure that there can never be a discussion about horse welfare in sport again.”
LADbible has contacted Charlotte Dujardin's representatives for comment.
Topics: Charlotte Dujardin, Animals, Sport, Olympics
Anish Vij