The Fédération Equestre Internationale has provisionally suspended British Olympian and World No. 4-ranked dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin. The decision came hours after the rider announced she has withdrawn from the upcoming Paris Olympics and all other competitions following the appearance of a four-year-old video she said shows her “making an error of judgement” in a coaching session.

In a statement, the FEI stated it received a video on Monday, July 22, “depicting Ms. Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. This video was submitted to the FEI by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant. According to the information received, the footage was allegedly taken several years ago during a training session conducted by Ms. Dujardin at a private stable.”

Upon receiving the video, the FEI began an investigation and alerted Dujardin, British Equestrian and British Dressage of the allegations against the rider and gave Dujardin a deadline of 5 p.m. Swiss Time (11 a.m. Eastern Time) to respond.

Dujardin confirmed to the FEI that she was the person in the video and that her conduct was inappropriate. Today she “requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” according to the FEI statement. (In an earlier version of its statement, the FEI said her provisional suspension would last six months, but soon corrected that to say it will remain in place pending the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent disciplinary proceedings.)

Meanwhile, Dujardin posted a statement on social media explaining her decision:

“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.”

The video has not surfaced publicly.

“We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said in the FEI statement. “Charlotte has expressed genuine remorse for her actions, and we recognise and appreciate her willingness to take responsibility. Despite the unfortunate timing, we believe this action reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to welfare as the guardians of our equine partners and the integrity of our sport.”

British Equestrian released its own statement on July 23, noting that the rider is also provisionally suspended from both British Equestrian and British Dressage while the investigation is ongoing and the FEI suspension is active.

 “As the guardians of equestrian sport, we must uphold the highest standards of equine welfare—the horse’s wellbeing is paramount,” stated British Equestrian Chief Executive Jim Eyre. “We have been in close liaison with the FEI on the matter and will fully comply with any requests to fulfill their investigation and support the robust processes around such complaints. The allegations made are serious and the consequences far reaching but upholding the integrity of our sport remains our priority—we are privileged to enjoy the company of horses; we must never compromise on their wellbeing. We will continue to work with the FEI and Charlotte to complete the process.”

British Dressage Chief Executive Jason Brautigam added in the press release: “At British Dressage our commitment is to ‘bring people and horses together in harmony’, and as part of this we constantly strive to achieve the highest standards of horse care. We do not condone any behaviour that goes against our guiding principles and take a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of our equine welfare policies. These historic allegations are deeply upsetting for everyone involved in our sport, but we fully support the FEI investigation and will take any appropriate disciplinary action when this process is complete. Our priority now is to rally behind our athletes and horses representing Team GB in Paris as they take on the responsibility of showcasing the best of our sport on the world stage.”

Dujardin rose to fame with Valegro, aboard whom she won individual gold at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. She also won individual bronze with Gio in Tokyo 2021, and holds team gold, silver and bronze Olympic medals. She had been selected to ride Imhotep, aboard whom she won team silver at the Blue Hors Dressage World Championship (Denmark) in 2022, at the upcoming Games.

The reserve combination for the Olympic team is Becky Moody and Jagerbomb, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Dante Weltino OLD—Udysee, Jazz) owned by Jo Cooper and the rider, and bred by the rider. Carl Hester on Fame and Charlotte Fry on Glamourdale are the other members of the team.

The FEI has said it will not issue any further comments on this matter until the investigation concludes “to maintain the integrity of the investigation.”