Three-time gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin has abruptly withdrawn from Great Britain’s dressage team after a video emerged that allegedly showed her physically mistreating a horse.
The video in question allegedly shows Dujardin “whipping a horse on the legs repeatedly,” according to the Daily Mail.
“A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgment during a coaching session,” Dujardin said in a statement.
“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 horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed ahnd should have set a better example in that moment.”
Dujardin, 39, won gold medals in team and individual dressage in 2012 in London, and took home gold in individual dressage in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.
She also won a silver medal in team dressage in Rio, and bronze medals in team and individual dressage in Tokyo in 2021.
“I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors,” Dujardin’s statement continued.
“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.”
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