Dressage-Olympic-champion admits faults
Charlotte Dujardin is one of the most successful Dressage riders in the world. Now, the British rider admits to inappropriate behavior in training. She will not be present at the Paris Olympics.
Three-time Dressage Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin from Great Britain has admitted to misconduct in training and will not compete at the Paris Olympics. The World Equestrian Federation (FEI) announced that Dujardin has been temporarily suspended for six months. The 39-year-old requested the suspension until investigations into a video are completed.
On the video, Dujardin can be seen acting against the welfare of a horse. She herself admitted that her behavior was inappropriate. One of the biggest competitors of the German Dressage team around Jessica von Bredow-Werndl will be missing at Olympia in Paris as a result.
On a four-year-old video, she can be seen making a wrong decision during a training session, which she shared on social media. She decided to temporarily withdraw from all competitions - including the Paris Olympics, 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 given a better example in that moment." Dujardin did not describe what is seen on the video.
"I sincerely apologize for my behavior," her statement continued. She expressed regret that she had disappointed everyone, including her British team, fans, and sponsors. She will fully cooperate with the FEI and British equestrian federation and remain silent until the proceedings are completed.
FEI President Ingmar De Vos expressed "deep disappointment" over the case. The welfare of the horses must not be compromised. Dujardin has shown genuine remorse. In place of the individual Olympic champion of the London and Rio Games, Becky Moody with Jagerbomb could now compete, who rides significantly weaker until now.
Despite her temporary suspension and admission of inappropriate behavior, Charlotte Dujardin expressed hopes to return to competitive equestrianism post-Olympic Games 2024 in Paris. Her absence in the Olympic Games, however, leaves an opportunity for other talented equestrians, such as Becky Moody, to represent Great Britain in Dressage.
