Olympia 2024 - British dressage rider suspended for animal cruelty
Three-time Dressage Olympic gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin from Great Britain has admitted to misconduct during training and will not be participating in the Olympic Games in Paris.
The FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) announced that Dujardin has been temporarily suspended. The 39-year-old requested the suspension herself pending the completion of investigations regarding a video. The video shows Dujardin acting against the welfare of a horse. She has admitted that her behavior was inappropriate.
Top German Dressage Rider's Main Rival for Olympics Drops Out
Initially, the FEI announced that Dujardin would be suspended for six months, but later clarified that this suspension was indefinite, depending on the outcome of the investigation. With Dujardin out, the German Dressage team's top competitor, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, will be missing from Olympia in Paris.
On a four-year-old video, Dujardin is seen making a wrong decision during a training session, which she shared on social media. She has decided to temporarily withdraw from all competitions, including the Olympic Games in Paris, she wrote further.
"What happened was not my way and does not reflect how I train my horses or teach my students, but there is no excuse," her statement read. "I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment."
Dujardin did not specify what is shown on the video. "I sincerely apologize for my behavior," she said. She expressed regret for disappointing her British team, fans, and sponsors.
Charlotte Dujardin to Cooperate with FEI Investigation
She will fully cooperate with the FEI and British equestrian authorities and remain silent until the proceedings are concluded.
FEI President Ingmar De Vos expressed deep disappointment over the incident. The welfare of the horses must not be compromised. Dujardin has shown sincere remorse.
In her place, individual Olympic gold medalist from the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Games, Becky Moody with Jagerbomb, who has been performing significantly weaker, could potentially compete.
- Despite the setback, the German Dressage rider Jessica von Bredow-Werndl remains a strong contender for the Dressage events at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
- The absence of Charlotte Dujardin at the Paris Olympic Games will undoubtedly affect the competitive dynamics of the Dressage riders from the United Kingdom.
- Tierquälern, a German term translating to 'animal cruelty', has become a topic of concern amidst the controversy surrounding Charlotte Dujardin's behavior towards her horse.
- Following her misconduct, Dujardin will be unable to participate in the prestigious Dressage competitions held at Olympia in London.
