DAME SHAME
Charlotte Dujardin STRIPPED of funding and will never be a Dame after disturbing video of Olympic champ whipping horse
Animal rights group PETA have also released a statement
SHAMED Charlotte Dujardin’s prospects of becoming a Dame have gone following the horse-whipping scandal – and she has also been temporarily stripped of National Lottery funding.
And the six-time Olympic medal winner has also been dropped as an ambassador for horse welfare charity Brooke.
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Britain’s greatest horsewoman quit the Paris Olympics in disgrace on Tuesday after a video emerged that showed her beating a horse 25 times on its legs with a long whip.
The three-time Olympic gold medallist was “deeply ashamed” by her “error of judgement” in a coaching session at a private stable – and she has been provisionally banned from the sport for six months.
Had she won an Olympic medal of any colour next week, she would have seven on her CV from four Games, which would have overtaken Laura Kenny’s cycling record of six.
The Enfield-born competitor would have been all-but-certain to be handed a Damehood in the King’s New Year’s Honours List.
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But Whitehall sources said any such honour is now off the table.
And the CBE that she received in 2017 for services to equestrianism could be under review by the Honours committee – though there is a high bar to strip someone of a gong.
On Wednesday, UK Sport announced that her funding had been suspended pending the conclusion of a FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) investigation.
A UK Sport spokesperson said: “We expect all staff and athletes in Olympic and Paralympic sport to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour, ethics and integrity.
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“We are disturbed by the serious concerns that have been raised in the past 24 hours regarding horse welfare and Charlotte Dujardin.
“Sport national governing bodies are required to notify us when they become aware of any conduct-related issues involving a World Class Programme athlete or member of staff so it can be reviewed under the Funding Eligibility Policy.”
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Meanwhile, the lawyer for the complainant – who is a sponsor for the 19-year-old English rider in the offending video – says the amateur star was frightened about taking on Dujardin.
Dutch lawyer Stephan Wensing told SunSport: “When this happened, she spoke with others from the UK and other people in the scene.
“And they all warned her, don’t do this, don’t mention this, otherwise they’re going after you.
“So, she was really, really afraid. At the beginning, she was thinking, well Charlotte Dujardin is the best rider in the world, she knows what she’s doing.
“Who am I to think that what she’s doing is wrong?
“That was the first part. Then she was doubting it. She was thinking, no this is horse abuse, this is not acceptable.
FEI statement in full on Charlotte Dujardin
THE FEI has officially announced the provisional suspension of British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin (FEI ID: 10028440) for a period of six months, effective immediately from the date of notification, 23 July 2024.
This decision renders her ineligible to participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games or any other events under the jurisdiction of the FEI.
During this period of suspension, she is prohibited from participating in any activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any competition or event under the jurisdiction of a National Federation (NF). This also includes any FEI or NF-related activities.
In addition, the British Equestrian Federation has mirrored this provisional suspension, which also makes Ms. Dujardin ineligible to compete in any national events during this period.
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.
“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,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
“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.”
To maintain the integrity of the investigation, the FEI will refrain from making further comments on this matter until the process is concluded.
“First, she was afraid. She said, I am not brave enough.
“This weekend, she told me, I want to continue, I want to complain, I want to make sure the world knows this. To help dressage.
“And to make sure also other riders will get a lesson that this is not how you treat horses.”
Animal Activists PETA – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – have called on Olympic chiefs to BAN all horses from the Games.
PETA US Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo said: “The message to the International Olympic Committee should be clear by now – remove equestrian events from the Olympics.
“Yet again, an Olympic rider has been caught on video abusing a horse to force the animal to behave in an entirely unnatural way, simply for her own glory.
“Horses don’t volunteer – they can only submit to violence and coercion. It’s time for the Olympics to move into the modern era.”
Charity Brooke, whose work "directly helps 1.4 million working horses, donkeys and mules a year", said Dujardin had been dropped as their figurehead.
Charlotte Dujardin's statement
“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.”
In a statement, they said: "We were deeply disturbed to learn of the recent video of Charlotte Dujardin.
"Our whole ethos is around kindness and compassion to horses and to see the opposite of this from someone with such a high profile is beyond disappointing.
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"Charlotte is no longer an ambassador for Brooke.
"There can never be any justification for the mistreatment of animals and clearly any such behaviour is incompatible with representing Brooke."