Under-fire equestrian rider Charlotte Dujardin could be stripped of her MBE after footage of her allegedly mistreating a horse was released, according to reports.
The Team GB olympian withdrew from the Paris 2024 Games with an investigation underway into her actions, which could also cost her the chance to become a Dame in the King’s New Year’s Honours.
The six-time Olympic medalist was set to compete for Team GB in Paris this summer but pulled out after a whistleblower sent a clip of her whipping a horse in a training session to the Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).
Dujardin has been provisionally suspended for six months by the FEI after “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of animal welfare”.
The decorated dressage Olympian withdrew from the Games earlier on Tuesday, admitting that she had made an “error of judgement” during a coaching session four years ago.
Dujardin, a three-time Olympic champion and six-time medallist, wrote in a statement: “I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors.”
The FEI said that on Monday they received footage of Dujardin “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare” and moved to immediately ban her from competing.
There may more punishments to come for the 39-year-old, who is fighting a battle to save her equestrian career. She only required one more medal to become Britain’s most decorated female Olympian of all time in Paris, but is now facing a backlash extending to the New Year’s Honours list.
According to the Daily Mail, sources at Whitehall have shut down the idea of Dujardin realising her dream of becoming a Dame – and her actions could even see her stripped of her CBE and OBE titles.
Dujardin was recognised as one of Britain’s best ever riders in the sport when she was awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2013 New Year Honours List.
Four years later, she earned the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2017 – both for her services to equestrianism.
The video, which was reportedly filmed at a private stable in Gloucester, shows Dujardin whipping a horse with a long whip on 24 occasions in 2019. It has strengthened calls from animal welfare charities for equestrian events to be permanently removed from the Olympics altogether.
UK Sport released a statement condemning Dujardin’s actions and revealed her funding would be suspended pending the outcome of the FEI investigation.
A UK Sport spokesperson said: “We expect all staff and athletes in Olympic and Paralympic sport to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour, ethics and integrity. We are disturbed by the serious concerns that have been raised in the past 24 hours regarding horse welfare and Charlotte Dujardin.
“Sport national governing bodies are required to notify us when they become aware of any conduct-related issues involving a World Class Programme athlete or member of staff so it can be reviewed under the Funding Eligibility Policy.
“In line with our Eligibility Policy, Charlotte Dujardin’s eligibility to receive public funding and access to publicly funded benefits has now been suspended, pending the outcome of the FEI’s investigation. We now need to let the FEI’s investigation conclude before making any further comment.”
