A video of a Team GB Olympian, Charlotte Dujardin, allegedly abusing a horse was aired on TV after her announcement that she was pulling out of this summer’s games.
Dujardin, who is a six-time dressage Olympic medalist, abruptly pulled out of this summer’s Paris 2024 Olympics yesterday (23 July).
The 39-year-old has previously released a statement about her decision, explaining that an investigation from the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is currently taking place.
And this morning (24 July), GMB exclusively broadcast a video which shows her whipping a horse while it’s been ridden by an unknown person, whose face is blurred, during a coaching session.
The lawyer for the complainant alleged that Dujardin hit the horse with a whip ‘more than 24 times in one minute’ during a lesson with a 19-year-old female student that took place in her private stable.
In the clip, the horse can be seen jumping and bucking slightly as the whip comes into contact.
After Durjardin’s announcement, the FEI confirmed that she had been handed a provisional six-month ban from competing, as per The Guardian.
The athlete withdrew three days before the opening ceremony, meaning she did not travel to Paris.
Dujardin’s apology claimed that her actions in the video were ‘completely out of character’ and an ‘error of judgement’.
The statement, which was posted prior to the video’s release, read: “A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session,
“Understandably, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is investigating and I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition – including the Paris Olympics – while this process takes place.
“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. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.
“I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors.
“I will cooperate fully with the FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage during their investigations, and will not be commenting further until the process is complete.”
The FEI also announced in a statement that Dujardin was ‘ineligible to participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games or any other events under the jurisdiction of the FEI’.