Three-time Olympic dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin has been handed a one-year ban and fined £8,886 by the international equestrian governing body FEI for excessive use of a whip on a horse.
The decorated British Olympian, who has won three gold medals in dressage, received the punishment after an investigation into her conduct.
The fine, set at 10,000 Swiss Francs, comes alongside the suspension which will prevent her from competing at the highest level of the sport.
The disciplinary action follows video footage that emerged in July, showing Dujardin repeatedly striking a horse with a long whip around its legs.
Charlotte Dujardin has been banned for one year
PA
The incident occurred just days before the start of the Paris 2024 Olympics preparations.
The footage prompted an investigation by the FEI, the world governing body of equestrian sports, leading to today’s sanctions.
Dujardin’s international ban has been backdated to the start of her provisional suspension, meaning she will not be eligible to compete again until July 2025.
The suspension extends beyond international competitions, with both British Equestrian and British Dressage implementing matching bans.
Charlotte Dujardin withdrew from the Paris Olympics after the video leaked
This means Dujardin is also barred from participating in national competitions and training events throughout the suspension period.
The comprehensive ban effectively removes one of Britain’s most successful dressage riders from all levels of competition for the next year and a half.
Dujardin withdrew from the Paris Olympics after the footage from four years ago was leaked online.
She claimed the incident was ‘completely out of character’ and said she was ‘deeply ashamed’ by her actions.
“A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session,” her statement read.
“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.
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“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.”