Charlotte Dujardin, a three-time Olympic gold medallist in dressage, was banned for one 12 months following a horse-whipping incident that led to her withdrawal from the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin, driving Gio(AP)
The British equestrian was provisionally suspended by the Worldwide Federation for Equestrian Sports activities (FEI) simply days earlier than the 2024 Video games after the group acquired footage exhibiting her placing a horse a number of instances on its legs throughout a coaching session at a secure. This video, which dates again a number of years, has drawn important backlash and condemnation.
Dujardin, who’s 39 years previous and was fined 10,000 Swiss francs (roughly $11,300), expressed regret for her actions, stating that she made an “error of judgement” and subsequently withdrew from the Video games. Her suspension will probably be in impact till July subsequent 12 months, with the ban retroactively ranging from July 2024.
In a press release, the FEI confirmed Dujardin’s suspension, emphasizing that her actions have been opposite to the ideas of horse welfare. The time she spent beneath provisional suspension will rely in the direction of her one-year ban. All through this suspension, she is barred from collaborating in any competitions or occasions ruled by the FEI or any nationwide federation.
British Equestrian and British Dressage have additionally upheld her suspension, making her ineligible to compete in nationwide occasions or coaching throughout this era.
Jim Eyre, the chief govt of British Equestrian, acknowledged that the welfare and moral remedy of horses is a high precedence, and he emphasised that the group expects the very best requirements from everybody concerned within the sport. Jason Brautigam, the chief govt of British Dressage, reiterated their dedication to a zero-tolerance coverage relating to breaches of equine welfare.
Dujardin has a formidable Olympic report, having received six medals, together with each particular person and group gold on the London 2012 Video games, and efficiently defending her particular person title on the Tokyo Video games. She had the potential to turn into Britain’s most embellished feminine Olympian in Paris, surpassing bicycle owner Laura Kenny, with whom she is presently tied with six medals.
In 2019, Dujardin confronted disqualification from the European Championships after blood was found on her horse, Mount St John Freestyle, throughout a post-competition examination, though the FEI clarified that this didn’t point out any intent to hurt the horse.
(With AFP inputs)