Former Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin suspended

Team GB’s joint-most decorated female Olympian, Charlotte Dujardin has been suspended from equestrian for one year after “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare”.

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

Dujardin’s sanction comes after a video emerged in July 2024 of the double Olympic dressage champion whipping a horse repeatedly four years previously, which saw her withdraw from the Paris Olympic Games. The time already served during her provisional suspension will count towards the FEI punishment.

During the suspension period, the 39-year-old is prohibited from participating in all activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or of a National Federation.

After the video emerged in the summer, Dujardin withdrew from the Paris Games and said she had made “an error of judgement” during a coaching session. The FEI, British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and British Dressage subsequently launched a disciplinary process, with the latter two bodies reciprocating the FEI’s ban.

The FEI added that since the video emerged, it has not received any further complaints about Dujardin’s conduct.