S Kannan in Paris
In one of the worst possible news one could hear a day before the Paris Olympics, equestrian legend Charlotte Dujardin of Team GB has been banned from participating on the grounds of animal cruelty. According to leaked video footage which is several years old, six-time Olympic medallist Dujardin had behaved in the most cruel manner with her her horse at a training venue. It is believed that she whipped the animal 24 times in the space of a minute.
The Briton was supposed to be a star performer even in Paris but the news of her questionable behaviour has shocked the entire fraternity. Equestrian events emphasise the close relationship between horse and rider, with the bond especially important in dressage, where even the most minute movements matter.
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According to Stephan Wensing, the Dutch lawyer of the teenager who had formerly been Dujardin’s pupil, she had whipped the horse like “an elephant in a circus”.
The complainant’s identity has been kept secret and it is believed they filmed the act of cruelty in secrecy and were advised against lodging an official complaint. But what has transpired is big news.
🚨 BREAKING: Charlotte Dujardin, who was provisionally suspended by equestrian’s governing body, the FEI, amid horse welfare allegations, could lose her Damehood, say British papers. Her CBE could be reviewed.@ThumsUpOfficial @BoriaMajumdar #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/9QNoIAbibW
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) July 24, 2024
“This is a black day for dressage as well as Charlotte Dujardin,” said the lawyer. Later, a statement also came from the rider herself. “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,” said Dujardin. “I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”
Team GB has been rocked by the news, a day before the opening ceremony along the Seine river. For its part, the FEI, the world body for equestrian events, has also acted fast and suspended Dujardin for six months. There will be more detailed inquiries as well.