Shocking video exhibits Charlotte Dujardin repeatedly whipping a horse

Video footage has been released of Team GB dressage star Charlotte Dujardin whipping a horse’s legs – as the Olympian withdrew from Paris 2024 amid claims she has deployed the practice in the past.

The queen of Team GB‘s dressage team was sensationally banned from the sport just days before the Paris Olympics after being accused of whipping a horse on its legs more than 24 times.

Six-time Olympic medalist Dujardin was hoping to become Britain’s most decorated Olympian but was forced to pull out of the games yesterday as a former eventer said her career was ‘in tatters’.

It came after the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) was sent video footage on Monday allegedly showing Dujardin mistreating a horse at a UK training venue. Dujardin, 39, has now been suspended pending investigation.

The footage then aired on Good Morning Britain today. It shows Dujardin walking alongside the horse, which was being ridden by a 19-year-old girl, as she struck its legs with a whip.

Dutch lawyer Stephan Wensing, a lawyer for the whistleblower who shared the video, told GMB that his client had sponsored a lesson for the teen on the horse.

Mr Wensing claimed his client had seen the practice happen multiple times.

He said: ‘My client used to be a sponsor, and she was in the UK, and she sponsored a lesson for Charlotte to a student. It was a young girl of 19 years old riding her horse, and she got a lesson from Charlotte Dujardin in the UK.

‘Charlotte Dujardin was in the middle of the arena. She said to the student, ‘your horse must lift up the legs more in the canter’. 

‘She took the long whip and she was beating the horse more than 24 times in one minute and really hard, really harsh, really tough.

‘This is not just one incident. My client has visited Charlotte Dujardin’s stable more times and she has seen it happen more times.’

Mr Wensing has previously compared the treatment to that of ‘an elephant in a circus’. He said the incident took place in 2022 – but Dujardin claims her ‘error of judgement’ happened four years ago.

The alleged whistleblower had filmed the lesson but had been warned against making an official complaint due to Dujardin’s previously sparkling reputation.

‘In the video she takes the long whip and beats the horse more than 24 times; (this is) the biggest star in dressage,’ Mr Wensing said last night.

‘This is a black day for dressage as well as Charlotte Dujardin. But in their statement my client says that if dressage is to survive, they must stop doing this to horses.’

‘It doesn’t make any sense,’ the lawyer added. ‘It has no goal. It is unbelievable. At that time, my client was thinking this must be normal. She is an Olympic winner. Who am I to doubt?’ 

‘My client asked around and was warned against speaking out in the UK. But last year my client saw others suspended in the UK and elsewhere.’ 

Alice Plunkett, a former eventer and current presenter on ITV Racing, said Dujardin’s career lay in ‘tatters’ with the release of the video footage.

‘It’s not a video that makes anyone feel comfortable. It is not appropriate and it is not something that I have ever seen in terms of the years that I have been working with horses,’ she said.

‘It’s not standard practice. She knows that and I just don’t understand how she got into that situation because she is somebody who has made her life from horses because she manages them in a way that they work for her. 

‘Valegro [Dujardin’s horse] would not have performed in the way he did for her if he was treating her like that. In that video she is training someone else’s horse. She has made the wrong decision in how to solve a problem. It is not acceptable.

‘We are heading into the Olympics with an extraordinary team and we want to celebrate the professionalism that got them there. The FEI do not stand for training methods like this. 

‘If anyone trains horses like this they would be pulled by the FEI. You cannot get away with that in the modern age. She has not got away with it. You will not get away with it. It is categorically a horse sport, the horse is front and centre.

‘She will be hung, drawn and quartered. This will be her defining legacy. Her professional career is in tatters.’

In a bombshell statement the three-time gold medalist revealed she had made an ‘error of judgement’ during a coaching session that is said to have put an animal’s welfare at risk.

Speaking last night at the couple’s home in Newent, Gloucestershire, Dujardin’s stunned fiance Dean Wyatt Golding told the Mail: ‘It’s all come out of the blue. 

‘I can’t say anything beyond Charlotte’s statement. All we can do is wait and see what happens.’ 

Asked if he knew who the video had been released by and how it had been shared, Mr Golding said: ‘No, we have no idea. 

‘Charlotte is obviously cooperating with the equestrian authorities for now.’

The couple have a one-year-old daughter, Isabella, who was due in Paris to watch her mother compete, with Ms Dujardin telling the Mail earlier this week: ‘People say it’s the end of your career to have kids but we are showing it isn’t’. 

She was back on horseback within six weeks of having Isabella, and said it would be ‘very special riding in front of her in Paris’. 

The FEI has suspended the athlete while it investigates the footage of Dujardin allegedly mistreating a horse at an educational day in a UK training venue.

The sporting body said it was sent the clip on Monday – just three days before Friday’s Opening Ceremony where Dujardin was tipped to be among the contenders to be the flag bearer for Team GB.   

The timing of the leak is not thought to be a coincidence, according to senior British figures within the sport. 

The athlete struck the horse on the legs multiple times during an exercise around a ‘piaffe’ – a slow motion trot. Another rider was on the horse at the time.

The investigation has put a halt on Dujardin’s dreams to become the most decorated female Olympian in the UK, after currently tying with British cyclist Laura Kenny who also holds six medals. 

And it is not the first time that Dujardin has been eliminated from a major tournament. In August 2019, she was disqualified from the European Championships after blood was found of her horse Mount St John Freestyle.

Under FEI rules horses must be free from blood over the entire body and mouth both during and after the event.  

In a statement released this afternoon, the triple gold medalist said: ‘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.’

She went on to say: ‘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.’

It is unknown which horse was involved in the alleged footage.

The British Olympic Association – Team GB – confirmed it was aware of Dujrdin’s withdrawal.

A BOA spokesperson said: ‘The British Olympic Association can confirm the withdrawal of Charlotte Dujardin from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and we acknowledge the seriousness with which she is taking this matter.’

British Equestrian and British Dressage issued a joint statement confirming they have also provisionally suspended Dujardin.

BE chief executive Jim Eyre said: ‘As the guardians of equestrian sport, we must uphold the highest standards of equine welfare – the horse’s wellbeing is paramount.

‘The allegations made are serious and the consequences far-reaching but upholding the integrity of our sport remains our priority – we are privileged to enjoy the company of horses; we must never compromise on their wellbeing.’

In a lengthy statement the FEI confirmed it had suspended Dujardin for six months while it investigates the allegations, while the British Equestrian Federation has also mirrored this provisional ban.

It means she will not be able to compete in any FEI or BEF events during that time period, which includes the Olympics. 

It said: ‘The FEI has officially announced the provisional suspension of British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin for a period of six months, effective immediately from the date of notification, 23 July 2024.

‘On 22 July 2024, the FEI received a video depicting Ms. Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. This video was submitted to the FEI by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant.

‘According to the information received, the footage was allegedly taken several years ago during a training session conducted by Ms. Dujardin at a private stable.

‘Upon receiving the video, the FEI promptly initiated an investigation. As part of this investigation, Ms. Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage were informed of the allegations.

‘Ms Dujardin was given a deadline of 17:00 Swiss time on 23 July to respond to the allegations. Subsequently, Ms. Dujardin confirmed that she is the individual depicted in the video and acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate.

‘On 23 July 2024, Charlotte Dujardin requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and also confirmed that she will not participate in any competitions pending the outcome of the FEI’s investigation.

‘The FEI condemns any conduct contrary to the welfare of horses and has robust rules in place to address such behaviour. Our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of equine welfare and sportsmanship remains unwavering.

‘The FEI acknowledges the cooperation of Charlotte Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage with the ongoing investigation and intends to proceed as swiftly as possible.’

The FEI’s president, Ingmar De Vos, said: ‘We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.  

‘However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised.

‘Charlotte has expressed genuine remorse for her actions, and we recognise and appreciate her willingness to take responsibility. 

‘Despite the unfortunate timing, we believe this action reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to welfare as the guardians of our equine partners and the integrity of our sport.’

It comes as American dressage rider Cesar Parra is currently provisionally suspended by the FEI over horse welfare issues. 

The decision to withdraw is understood to be made by Dujardin and was her choice -she did not travel to Paris and remains in the UK.

Dujardin, viewed as one of GB’s greatest female Olympians, had returned to competition after giving birth to her first child in March 2023 and is said to be ‘devastated’ by the development.

She sought guidance from a number of close contacts on the issue but it is understood the decision was entirely hers. There is a travelling reserve who may take her place.

According to horses.nl the complaint was filed with both the FEI and the British Equestrian Federation at ‘9am last Monday’ by Dutch lawyer Stephan Wensing ‘on behalf of a client who wishes to remain anonymous’.

The website added that the matter related to ‘animal abuse’ from a video which they said was made two-and-a-half years ago, according to the complainant. They add that the video captured Dujardin ‘hitting a student’s horse with a whip from the ground’.

The report adds the complainant had ‘long hesitated’ before raising the matter with authorities and quotes Wensing, who says: ‘It is unacceptable that dressage sport should be accompanied by animal abuse. 

‘If top-level sport can only be performed in such a way that the welfare of the horse is compromised, then top-level sport should be abolished. 

‘Everyone who deals with horses has their own responsibility in this, and this also applies to bystanders who become aware of excesses. Equestrian sport must regulate itself and ensure that there can never be a discussion about horse welfare in sport again.

‘It is extremely sad that one of the most successful riders in the world has to pay the price. But this rider has also not taken any responsibility and this cannot go unpunished. 

‘The federations and in particular the FEI can be expected to take even more adequate action against animal abuse, precisely to ensure the continued existence of equestrian sports.’

Dujardin – who holds a CBE – has been described as the dominant dressage rider of her era.

She began riding at just two-years-old and achieved second place at her first Pony Club show jumping competition when she was three.

The Olympian, who was born in Enfield, north London,  took up dressage with a horse bought from an inheritance from her grandmother, beginning horse riding at the age of two. 

In 2007, she began working as a groom with Carl Hester. He asked her to develop novice gelding Valegro in 2011.

Her first medals came at the London 2012 Olympics, where she won both team and individual dressage gold medals on that horse. These were Britain’s first Olympic medals in the equestrian sport.

During the London games, she was accompanied by a very patriotic soundtrack, which included the theme music to The Great Escape, Big Ben’s chimes and Land of Hope and Glory. 

Dujardin and Valegro won double individual gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, making her the first British woman to retain an individual Olympic title .

And at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 she claimed bronzes in the team and individual competitions.

On top of that, she was briefly the most successful British female Olympian in history before she was surpassed by cyclist Laura Trott.

She would have been looking to reclaim the title at the Paris Games on Imhotep.

Outside of the Olympics Dujardin has worked as a trainer for aspiring equestrians, with Lady Tatiana Mountbatten, the daughter of King Charles’s cousin George Mountbatten, being one of hr students.

Speaking to The Telegraph about the possibility prior to the announcement of her withdrawal, she said: ‘If I achieve that, it will be incredible. Now to think I could be at the very top, how surreal is that?’

Her shock statement comes just a day after an interview in Horse & Hound on her preparations for the Paris Games – where she was due to ride Imhotep – or ‘Pete’.

Speaking about how many she’s trained, she told the magazine: ‘That’s a lot of horses, and it was only until someone pointed out to me how many top-level horses I’ve trained that I thought, ‘Oh God, I have actually done a really good job’.’

She went on to say she hopes to be a ‘good example’ for her daughter Isabella, who was born in March 2023.

Dujardin said: ‘Whether it’s in dressage or some other sport, I hope to be a good example. 

‘That’s what it’s all about, inspiring the younger generations to be active and to take up and follow their dreams.’