Charlotte Dujardin slapped with lengthy ban after horse whipping scandal that wrecked Olympic hopes
Three-time Olympic dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin has been handed a one-year ban and fined £8,886 by the international equestrian governing body FEI for excessive use of a whip on a horse.
The decorated British Olympian, who has won three gold medals in dressage, received the punishment after an investigation into her conduct.
The fine, set at 10,000 Swiss Francs, comes alongside the suspension which will prevent her from competing at the highest level of the sport.
The disciplinary action follows video footage that emerged in July, showing Dujardin repeatedly striking a horse with a long whip around its legs.
The incident occurred just days before the start of the Paris 2024 Olympics preparations.
The footage prompted an investigation by the FEI, the world governing body of equestrian sports, leading to today’s sanctions.
Dujardin’s international ban has been backdated to the start of her provisional suspension, meaning she will not be eligible to compete again until July 2025.
The suspension extends beyond international competitions, with both British Equestrian and British Dressage implementing matching bans.
This means Dujardin is also barred from participating in national competitions and training events throughout the suspension period.
The comprehensive ban effectively removes one of Britain’s most successful dressage riders from all levels of competition for the next year and a half.
More to follow…