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Charlotte Dujardin could face police probe after whistleblower leaks vid of Team GB star whipping horse
The whistleblower's lawyer slammed what he called 'ridiculous victim-blaming'
CHARLOTTE Dujardin could face a police probe after a whistleblower leaked a video of the Team GB star whipping a horse.
Dujardin has pulled out of the Paris Olympics after a clip showed her beating the horse 25 times in one minute with a long whip.
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The video was passed to the FEI, the governing body of horse sports including dressage.
Now the RSPCA has said it is "ready to provide any support" to the authorities probing the footage.
The RSPCA can investigate and privately prosecute allegations of animal cruelty.
The FEI also has the power to prepare case files and pass them on - potentially leading to police probes.
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The body has not ruled out passing a file on the Dujardin clip to the police.
An RSPCA spokesperson told The Sun: "The FEI is the body investigating this.
The spokesperson said: "We are happy to support with any welfare expertise.
"If the FEI feel it is appropriate, they can pass any evidence they have to the police."
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An FEI spokesperson said it was unable to comment further due to "the ongoing legal process".
The FEI has previously called in "national and international police forces" to support its clean sport programme.
In an earlier statement, FEI 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."
Britain’s greatest horsewoman said she was "deeply ashamed" about her "error of judgement" in a coaching session "four years ago".
An onlooker filmed the clip during a lesson with a 19-year-old female student at her private stable.
The whistleblower who sent the video to the FEI governing body was a sponsor of the girl seen riding the horse.
The whistleblower's lawyer Stefan Wensing hit back at claims the leak was intended to sabotage Team GB's medal hopes.
Wensing slammed what he called "ridiculous victim-blaming" - and said Team GB don't need Dujardin anyway.
He told The Sun: "All this talk about the timing is victim-blaming. It's ridiculous.
"The timing is not relevant, it's just victim-blaming. Victims do not choose the timing in a criminal case.
"It's no different with this case. My client actually feels very sorry for Charlotte Dujardin - but she did not pick the timing.
"If she had wanted to inflict the worst damage on Charlotte Dujardin, she'd have done it during or after the Olympics.
"And she was not trying to damage the British team's chances. They have a good team even without Charlotte Dujardin."
Wensing added: "The abuse caught in the video happened two and a half years ago.
"My client saw Dujardin abusing a horse several other times. Charlotte told her, 'This is how we do it, this is how we train the horses'.
"At first my client thought, 'Oh, she's an Olympian, who am I to question her?'
"But she knew it was wrong and wanted to stop it. Dressage people warned her, 'They'll come for you'.
"They said that Charlotte Dujardin was a dressage superstar and that my client's life would end."
"My client only felt able to speak out when she saw that two other Olympic riders had been suspended this year.
"They were also suspended for abusing horses so my client felt she could finally fight for animal rights.
"She came forward last weekend and I submitted her complaint to the FEI on Monday."
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.”
The FEI has launched a probe into the incident and handed Dujardin a provisional six-month ban.
Dressage expert Madeline Hall told the Mail: "The timing of this video days before the Olympics smells of sabotage. To me it is suspect."
Dujardin has also been stripped of her funding and her chances of getting a Damehood have gone up in smoke following the scandal.
Dujardin has also been axed as an ambassador by horse welfare charity Brooke.
She would have become Britain's most successful female Olympian if she had won a medal at the Paris Games next week.
The Enfield-born competitor would have been all-but-certain to be handed a Damehood in the King’s New Year’s Honours List.
But Whitehall sources said any such honour for Dujardin is now off the table.
Dujardin's 2017 CBE for services to equestrianism could also be reviewed by the Honours committee.
Yesterday UK Sport said her funding has been suspended pending the conclusion of the FEI probe.
A 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."
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.