Official announcements or publications from the International Federation for Equestrian Sports

Olympic Champion Charlotte Dujardin Banned One Year, Fined £8,886 for Horse Whipping Before Paris Games

Dec 5, 2024, 09:48 AM

Charlotte Dujardin, a three-time Olympic gold medallist and one of Britain's joint-most decorated female Olympians, has been suspended from equestrian competition for one year following a horse whipping controversy. The International Federation for Equestrian Sports imposed the ban after a video leaked days before the Olympics showed Dujardin excessively whipping a horse's legs, leading to her withdrawal from the Paris Games and wrecking her Olympic hopes. She was provisionally suspended and fined £8,886 for engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. Dujardin will be eligible to return to competition in July 2025.