Video shows Charlotte Dujardin whipping horse after Brit withdraws from Olympics
Footage of the actions that led to Charlotte Dujardin's withdrawal from the Paris Olympics was exclusively obtained with ITV's Good Morning Britain, as ITV News' West of England reporter Sangita Lal reports
Video footage of Charlotte Dujardin repeatedly whipping a horse in training has emerged after the British Olympian announced her withdrawal from the Paris Games on Tuesday.
Dujardin, a three-time Olympic dressage champion, has also been provisionally suspended by equestrian's governing body, the Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), with immediate effect.
Footage of the 39-year-old, which was exclusively obtained with ITV's Good Morning Britain, shows her walking alongside and using a long whip to hit the legs of a horse, that she is training, more than 20 times.
The horse, which is being ridden by a separate person, can be seen pacing near to the wall of an indoor enclosure and kicking its back legs out.
Dujardin has said she is "sincerely sorry" for the video.
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"A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session," Dujardin said in a statement.
"Understandably, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports 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.
Dujardin added she will "cooperate fully" with all ongoing investigations into the incident "until the process is complete".
The FEI said on Tuesday it had received a video "depicting Ms Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare".
Dujardin's suspension by the governing body means she is barred from any competitions or events under the FEI's jurisdiction and those run by by a national federation.
FEI president Ingmar De Vos said the organisation was "deeply disappointed" by the development, which comes just days before the opening of Paris 2024.
He said: "However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised.
"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."
Dujardin was due to compete in both the individual dressage and the team event in Paris, and knew that a medal of any colour would have placed her as Team GB's most decorated female Olympian.
She is expected to be replaced in the team by alternate Becky Moody and her horse Jagerbomb.
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'Deeply disturbed'
Horse welfare charity Brooke has confirmed Dujardin has been dropped as an ambassador, in the wake of the controversy.
In a statement the charity said it was "deeply disturbed to learn about this video", adding: "Our whole ethos is around kindness and compassion to horses, and to see the opposite of this from someone with such a high profile is beyond disappointing.
"There can never be a justification for mistreating animals."
World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers, meanwhile, called the Dujardin episode a "massive wake-up call for anyone who thinks this is not important".
"Horse sport rightly has high standards, as illustrated in the FEI Code of Conduct and British Equestrian's Charter for the Horse, but it is a collective responsibility to maintain these standards," Mr Owers said.
"Respect for the horse must be at the heart of every equestrian, and every equestrian sport, and their actions must demonstrate that respect all of the time."
A UK Sport spokesperson added: “We expect all staff and athletes in Olympic and Paralympic sport to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour, ethics and integrity. We are disturbed by the serious concerns that have been raised in the past 24 hours regarding horse welfare and Charlotte Dujardin.
“Sport national governing bodies are required to notify us when they become aware of any conduct-related issues involving a World Class Programme athlete or member of staff so it can be reviewed under the Funding Eligibility Policy.
“In line with our Eligibility Policy, Charlotte Dujardin’s eligibility to receive public funding and access to publicly funded benefits has now been suspended, pending the outcome of the Fédération Equestre Internationale’s (FEI) investigation."
Who is Charlotte Dujardin?
Dujardin shot to fame after her performances at London 2012, where she won individual and team gold, while riding her now-retired horse Valegro - to a soundtrack that included Land of Hope and Glory.
She retained her title in the individual dressage category and won silver in the team event four years later when the Olympics were staged in Rio de Janeiro.
At Tokyo 2020, Dujardin walked away with three bronze medals, tying her alongside former cycling star Laura Kenny on six medals as Team GB's most successful female Olympian.
Speaking recently, Dujardin said she was "not even thinking" about eclipsing Kenny's record, adding: "For me, it's all about going there and having fun and enjoying it, because otherwise I think it can very easily be taken away, all of the fun, with the pressure and expectations that everyone tells you should be feeling."
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