Charlotte Dujardin, The three-time British Olympic championhas been forced to withdraw from Paris 2024 over a video showing her repeatedly kicking a horse in the legs during a slow-motion trot, Telegraph Sport has learned.
The equestrian, who could have become Britain’s most decorated Olympian, says there is “no excuse” and she is “deeply ashamed” of the “error of judgement” during a training session.
The video was recorded four years ago and has come to light thanks to a whistleblower who has hired a Dutch lawyer to bring the case to light. A Dutch media outlet is believed to have obtained the video.
Dujardin posted on social media that he was withdrawing from all competition while the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) investigates the incident. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the British team, with senior officials caught off guard.
“What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or my students, but there is no excuse,” she said in a statement. “I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example at the time.”
The equestrian world is understood to be on high alert over public perceptions of animal welfare at the Games. There is a special officer in Paris overseeing welfare, Telegraph Sport has learned.
It is understood that the matter has only recently come to light. A statement from Team GB is expected in due course.
Dujardin, 39, needed a medal of any colour to overtake Dame Laura Kenny, with whom she is currently tied on six medals in the all-time British women’s medal tally.
“A video has emerged from four years ago showing me making an error in judgment during a training session,” he said in a statement.
“It is understandable that the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is investigating and I have taken the decision to withdraw from all competition, including the Paris Olympic Games, while this process takes place.
“What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or my students, but there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example at the time.”
“I sincerely regret my actions and am devastated to have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors. I will fully co-operate with the FEI, the British Equestrian Federation and the British Dressage Association during their investigations and will not comment further until the process is complete.”
Dujardin won team and individual gold medals at the 2012 London Games on the horse Valegro and the pair won individual gold and team silver four years later in Rio. On a different horse, Gio, she won two bronzes at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games.
Dujardin had planned to compete in the individual and team dressage events alongside Carl Hester and world champion Lottie Fry, riding the new horse Imhotep.
More to follow…