First Olympic scandal arises: British legend Charlotte Dujardin suspended

Dressage legend to miss Olympics

According to BBC Sport, Britain’s legendary dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin has been suspended by the sport’s governing body, the FEI.

Already pulled out

Dujardin had reportedly already pulled out of the Paris Olympics after a video emerged showing what the rider described as an "error in judgment".

Provisionally suspended

The footage reportedly shows Dujardin mistreating a horse, with the FEI claiming the three-time Olympic champion was, "engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare - during a training session conducted at Ms Dujardin's private stable".

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Excessive force

BBC Sport has revealed a letter sent to them by the claimant against Dujardin claimed, "the video shows Ms Dujardin beating a horse excessively with a whip". The BBC has not seen the video.

Not a new video

The FEI has revealed Dujardin accepted she was the individual in the video and that she, "requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations".

Provisional

The FEI initially announced the British rider was suspended for six-months before amending their claim, stating the ban will, "remain in place pending the outcome of the investigation/disciplinary proceedings".

No excuses

For her part, Dujardin has not made any excuses, saying, "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," in a statement.

"Our responsibility"

FEI’s president, Ingmar De Vos, released a statement of his own, "It is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised," per BBC Sport.

"Genuine remorse"

De Vos continued, "Charlotte [Dujardin] has expressed genuine remorse for her actions, and we recognise and appreciate her willingness to take responsibility".

Replacement pairing

With Britain’s most successful female equestrian rider now out of the Games, Beth Moody and her horse Jagerbomb are set to replace Dujardin.

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