Six-time Olympic medalist suspended for whipping horse excessively

Great Britain equestrian athlete Charlotte Dujardin has been handed a one-year ban following an International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) investigation into a video of the three-time Olympic gold medalist in dressage that led to her suspension the week before the 2024 Paris Olympics started in July.

The video showed Dujardin whipping a horse excessively during a training session at a private stable. At the time, Dujardin said the actions were ‘completely out of character.’

British Equestrian also supports the suspension, which prevents Dujardin from competing in national events.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Dujardin said ‘this has undoubtedly been one of the darkest and most difficult periods of my life, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me during this time.’ She said she accepted the FEI’s decision, and the FEI said the suspension includes the time she’s served since the body’s initial July 23 ruling.

‘As the federation has recognised, my actions in the video do not reflect who I am and I can only apologise again. I understand the responsibility that comes with my position in the sport, and I will forever aim to do better,’ Dujardin wrote.

In addition to her three golds, Dujardin has won an Olympic silver and two bronze medals. Her six total are tied for the most of any British female Olympian, alongside former track cyclist Dame Laura Kenny’s five golds and a silver.

Dujardin, 39, also announced Thursday that she is pregnant and that her child is due in February.