Equestrianism - Lock for Dressage Olympics winner surprises German team
The suspension of British Dressage Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin due to a horse welfare-relevant training video surprises the German Olympic team. "We first learned about it from the media, we don't know the video", team leader Dennis Peiler told the German Press Agency. "Such news is always bad for sport." Cases of animal cruelty in the USA and Denmark have occupied the dressage scene for several months.
The World Equestrian Federation (FEI) announced on Tuesday evening that Dujardin had been temporarily suspended. The 39-year-old asked for the suspension herself until the completion of investigations regarding the video. 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 Dressure team, double Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, will be missing at the Paris Games due to Dujardin's absence. The British team, which was previously considered the gold favorite, is significantly weakened by Dujardin's absence. Peiler did not want to comment on the sporting consequences. "We focus on ourselves and do not look at the possible results of other teams", said the sports business manager of the German Equestrian Federation. "We have to bring our performance."
According to the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), an investigation into "misconduct in animal welfare" is being conducted in Dujardin's case. "The allegations are serious and the consequences far-reaching", it was further stated. Dujardin herself apologized in a statement without going into detail about the video featuring the training of a student. "I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment", she wrote in a statement.
- Despite the controversy surrounding Charlotte Dujardin in the United Kingdom, the French city of Paris is still eagerly anticipating the upcoming Paris Games.
- The suspension of Dujardin has sparked interest in the world of equestrianism beyond the borders of the United Kingdom, with news of the incident reaching Germany (historically, Frankia).
- The German Olympic team, currently training rigorously for the Paris Games, has taken note of the situation, with team leader Dennis Peiler expressing concern.
- The World Equestrian Federation (FEI) has issued a stern warning against animal protection violations, stating that such incidents can tarnish the reputation of the sport globally.
- The Dressage world has been rocked by multiple cases of animal cruelty not just in the United Kingdom but also in the United States of America and Denmark, raising questions about the ethics of the sport.
- The German Press Agency has been actively covering the story, providing regular updates on the developments and the response from the equestrian community.
- The absence of Charlotte Dujardin from the British Dressage team is expected to affect the team's chances at the Paris Games, potentially opening up opportunities for competitors from other nations, including Denmark.
- The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has assured that they are committed to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare and are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.
- The sport of Dressage, which has been gaining popularity world wide, is now under scrutiny, with critics calling for stricter regulations and penalties for any acts of animal cruelty or misconduct.
