THE chief of British Dressage has claimed the video of Charlotte Dujardin whipping a horse 24 times was timed to cause “maximum damage”.
Dujardin withdrew from the Olympics in Paris on Tuesday after a video emerged of her repeatedly hitting a student’s horse with a whip from the ground during a coaching session.
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The video, which was from four years ago, was described as “an error of judgement” by Dujardin with equestrian’s governing body, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), imposing a provisional suspension.
Now Jason Brautigam, the CEO of British Dressage, has said Dujardin’s actions were “completely unacceptable” – but cast doubt on the footage being released to “save dressage”.
In a letter to members publicised last night, the head of the sporting body declared the complainant’s grievance as “somewhat disingenuous”.
He said: “I do find claims that this was done to ‘save dressage’ somewhat disingenuous, given that it was timed to cause maximum damage to our sport.
“However, what will save dressage is how we all respond to this crisis by demonstrating our love and care for horses.”
It comes after three-time British Olympic champion Dujardin was slapped with a provisional six-month ban.
The equestrian pulled out of the Paris Olympics a day before footage was released of her allegedly whipping a horse 25 times.
She said she was “deeply ashamed” by her “error of judgement” in a coaching session at a private stable.
The six-time Olympic medallist has also seen her UK Sport funding scrapped pending the result of the investigation.
Meanwhile, she has been axed by a horse and donkey charity as well as two equestrian sponsors.
A second Olympic dressage scandal has also been sparked as another rider has been accused of striking a horse.
Paris Olympics show jumping contender Max Kuehner, from Austria, will be hauled before a judge in Germany after allegedly hitting his animal with a bar.
The pro equestrian, ranked number three in the world, is claimed to have struck the horse’s legs to make it jump higher, reports the Telegraph.
He was set to compete in Versailles in the individual and team jumping competitions before accusations came to light.
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.”
Kuehner, 50, was accused by the Munich II public prosecutor’s office of violating the German Animal Welfare Act by engaging in “active bar jumping” or “barring”.
The cruel act, in which a horse’s legs are whacked with a pole when they go over jumps, has been dubbed “rapping” – and was outlawed in Germany last year.
The Austrian Equestrian Federation said Kuehner denies all claims.
A spokesperson told German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: “We can confirm, based on everything we have observed during the years of working with Max, that the way his horses are kept, trained and presented is of the highest quality.
“Due to his impeccable attitude towards his horse as a sports partner, there is no reason whatsoever to assume that he uses methods in training that are contrary to animal welfare, or that he has used them in the past.”
The federation also stated the athlete would compete at the Olympics as scheduled.
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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.