Former Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin has been suspended from equestrian sport for a year because of a whipping scandal

Charlotte Dujardin – Team GB’s most decorated Olympian – has been suspended from equestrian sport for a year for behaving “contrary to the principles of equine welfare”.

The sport’s governing body, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), confirmed on Thursday that Dujardin would be banned from competition until July 23, 2025 and fined 10,000 Swiss francs (£8,884; $11,300).

Dujardin’s sanction came after a video emerged in July 2024 showing the double Olympic dressage champion repeatedly flogging a horse four years earlier, leading to her withdrawing from the Paris Olympics. Time already served during their provisional suspension will count towards the FEI penalty.

During the ban period, the 39-year-old is banned from taking part in any activities related to competitions or events that are under the jurisdiction of the FEI or a national federation.

After the video surfaced in the summer, Dujardin withdrew from the Paris Games, saying she had made a “misjudgment” during a coaching meeting. The FEI, the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and British Dressage then initiated disciplinary proceedings, with the latter two bodies reciprocating the FEI’s ban.

Go deeper

The Dujardin scandal shook equestrian sports. Does the Olympics have a future?

The FEI added that it had not received any further complaints about Dujardin’s behavior since the video was released.

Dujardin said at the time that the incident was “completely out of character” and “does not reflect how I train my horses or train my students,” adding that she was “deeply ashamed” of the footage.

Charlotte Dujardin, Britain’s most decorated Olympian, has been provisionally suspended and will not attend Paris 2024.

A video of the dressage star has emerged that she says shows she “made a misjudgment.” pic.twitter.com/PQ9rPQTD04

– Good Morning Britain (@GMB) July 24, 2024

FEI general secretary Sabrina Ibanez said on Thursday: “It is regrettable that this case has brought our sport into the headlines for the wrong reasons, particularly at a critical time before the Olympic Games.” But despite the challenges, the FEI acted decisively by it immediately opened an investigation and imposed an interim suspension.

“These significant sanctions send a clear message that anyone, regardless of their profile, who engages in behavior that affects the horse’s welfare will face serious consequences.” We believe this result demonstrates the FEI’s commitment to affirms the welfare of horses and their role as protectors of our equine partners.”

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) said after launching the initial investigation: “We welcome that the matter has already been referred to a relevant authority and that the FEI is carrying out an investigation.” If necessary, we are ready to assist you at any time to support work.”

Dujardin has won six Olympic medals in the three Games she competed in. She won two gold medals in individual and team dressage at London 2012 before defending her individual gold at Rio 2016 and winning silver in the team event. Dujardin then won two bronze medals in Tokyo.

Her medal haul is on par with cyclist Laura Kenny, who won five gold medals and one silver medal in three Games. With Kenny bowing out before Paris, any medal for Dujardin earlier this year would have made her Britain’s most decorated Olympian.

Dujardin was scheduled to compete in team and individual dressage in Paris.

(Top image: Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images)