British rider Dujardin withdraws from Olympics over coaching video

PARIS (AP) — Three-time Olympic gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain has withdrawn from the Paris Games after a video surfaced showing her “engaging in behavior contrary to the principles of horse welfare,” the sport’s umbrella organization said.

Dujardin said in a statement Tuesday that the video from four years ago “shows me making an error in judgment during a coaching session.” It was not clear which video Dujardin was referring to or what specifically the video shows.

“What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my students; however, there is no excuse,” Dujardin said in a statement on Instagram. “I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example at the time.

“I sincerely apologise for my actions and am devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors.”

The International Federation for Equestrian Sports, or FEI, said in a statement that it was investigating and that Dujardin had been provisionally suspended from all events under the body’s jurisdiction pending the outcome of the investigation. The British Equestrian Federation has also banned Dujardin from national events.

The FEI said it received video Monday from a lawyer representing “an unidentified complainant” filmed during a training session at a private stable. The FEI said Dujardin confirmed she was the person shown in the video and has filed for her own provisional suspension.

“The FEI condemns any behaviour that is contrary to the welfare of horses and has strict rules to address such behaviour,” the governing body said. “Our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of horse welfare and sportsmanship remains unwavering.”

Dujardin, 39, won gold in team and individual dressage at the 2012 London Olympics and another individual gold at the 2016 Rio Games. She took team and individual bronze at the 2021 Tokyo Games and team silver in Rio. Her six medals are tied by a female British Olympian.

___

AP Olympic Games: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games