Charlotte Dujardin, Britain’s celebrated Olympic dressage rider, has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Paris Olympic Games following the emergence of a controversial video. The footage, which Dujardin acknowledges, has led to an official investigation by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).

In a candid Instagram post, Dujardin expressed regret over her actions captured in the video, dating back four years, which depicted her in a coaching session that she admits reflected poor judgment. What happened was completely out of character,” Dujardin stated, emphasizing her commitment to ethical training practices and horse welfare. “I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”

The FEI acted swiftly, suspending Dujardin from competition shortly after receiving the video via a legal representative of an undisclosed complainant. The video allegedly shows Dujardin engaging in behaviors contrary to horse welfare standards, raising serious concerns about her conduct during a private training session.

This incident is not the first of its kind in the equestrian community. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics saw similar controversies, leading to significant repercussions for involved parties, including the expulsion of a German coach for inappropriate conduct towards a horse.

Dujardin, a six-time Olympic medalist, was poised to compete in what would have been her fourth Olympic appearance, with high hopes of becoming Britain’s most decorated female Olympian. This withdrawal not only affects her record chase but also casts a shadow over her illustrious career.

As the FEI continues its investigation, the equestrian world watches closely, awaiting further developments in this unsettling case that has sidelined one of its most prominent athletes on the eve of the global event