Charlotte Dujardin receives six-month ban after withdrawing from Paris Olympics over coaching video incident
Charlotte Dujardin has been handed a six-month provisional ban after withdrawing from the Paris Olympics over a video showing her making “an error of judgement” during a coaching session, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports has announced.
Dujardin, a three-time Olympic champion, decided to pull out of all competition earlier today over the coaching video incident from four years ago. The FEI said it had received a video “depicting Ms Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare”.
“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,” she said in a statement. “I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”
Dujardin, 39, could have become Britain’s most decorated female Olympian in Paris. A medal of any colour would have taken her clear of Laura Kenny, with whom she is currently tied on six medals.
In a statement to the PA news agency, Dujardin said: “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.”