Carl Hester and Peers Criticize Dujardin's Horse Whipping Incident

Carl Hester and a group of leading dressage riders condemned Charlotte Dujardin’s actions after a video surfaced showing her whipping a horse excessively. Hester and other top riders expressed their disapproval and emphasized the importance of equine welfare. Following the incident, Dujardin a highly decorated British Olympian, withdrew from Paris 2024.

The International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) expressed unanimous disapproval of her behavior and emphasized that equine welfare must always come first. They supported the FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage in their decision to provisionally suspend her. Dujardin, a three-time Olympic gold medalist was set to compete in Paris alongside Carl Hester and world champion Lottie Fry.

She admitted feeling “deeply ashamed” and claimed the incident was “completely out of character.” Both British Equestrian and British Dressage suspended her pending the FEI’s investigation. Additionally, UK Sport suspended her funding and various sponsors including KBIS, Equine LTS, Charles Owen and Fairfax Saddles, ended their partnerships. The London International Horse Show also removed her as an ambassador.

Team GB chef de mission Mark England acknowledged Dujardin’s difficulties and stated that the British Elite Athletes Association offers support. He emphasized the importance of animal welfare and expressed disappointment in Dujardin’s lapse in judgment. FEI President Ingmar de Vos expressed shock and disappointment after viewing the video, noting that while such cases are rare, they highlight the need for ongoing education about equine welfare.

Despite animal rights groups like Peta calling for the removal of equestrian events from the Olympics, De Vos remains confident that dressage and other equestrian disciplines will remain on the Olympic program for the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Games.