British triple Olympic dressage gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin in new horse treatment video controversy – two years after she quit Paris Games over ‘excessive whipping’ clip
British equestrian Charlotte Dujardin faces renewed scrutiny over horse handling following Amsterdam warm-up allegations
A nearly eight-minute video shared by the horse welfare group Collectif Pour Les Chevaux has sparked fresh debate about Dujardin’s training methods, focusing on her use of spurs and tight rein control during a session with the mare Alive and Kicking. The footage, captured by equine veterinarian Eva van Avermaet, highlights what the organization claims were signs of distress in the horse’s mouth and tail, suggesting discomfort from the rider’s approach.
Recurring criticism amid return from prior ban
Van Avermaet, who founded the welfare group five years ago, pointed out Dujardin’s aggressive handling in the video, stating,
“I’ve never seen Dujardin go this hard in a warm-up before.”
The clip, taken in a public setting where filming is routine, raises questions about why Dujardin didn’t adjust her technique, according to the vet. “After the whipping incident and the one-year suspension, she should have been extra cautious, especially in view of the public,” Van Avermaet remarked.
Van Avermaet also noted that despite reporting the incident to a steward, no changes were observed in Dujardin’s riding style post-conversation. The British rider, now back in the sport two years after her one-year ban, has faced similar critiques from the same organization, which has shared videos on other prominent equestrians.
Previous controversy and disciplinary action
The current dispute follows a prior scandal where Dujardin was suspended by the International Equestrian Federation for “conduct contrary to horse welfare principles.” A video of her excessively whipping a horse during a coaching session four years ago led to the ban, which was backdated to the start of her initial sanction. She withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympics shortly after the footage surfaced, later apologizing for her actions.
Since completing her ban in July, Dujardin has quickly returned to competition, securing results in events like Le Mans and Kronenberg. Her recent performances have earned her a spot in the World Cup in London, marking her most significant event since resuming her career. Despite this, the new video has reignited questions about her adherence to welfare standards, with the British Equestrian Federation declining to comment on the allegations or her recent conduct.
“We will not compromise and will never stop in the pursuit of the wellbeing of the horse,” the BEF stated in a previous response to the Times, though it acknowledged the clip was a condensed version of a 45-minute warm-up, limiting its ability to fully assess Dujardin’s techniques.