Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro. Photo by Jenni Autry.
The FEI has suspended British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin for one year and imposed a fine of CHF 10,000 ($11,300), effectively concluding the disciplinary proceedings against her.
The multi-Olympic champion had been provisionally suspended since July 23, just before the Paris Olympics, for engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. The time served during her provisional suspension will be credited towards the one-year suspension.
During her suspension, Charlotte is prohibited from participating in all activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or of a National Federation. British Equestrian and British Dressage have reciprocated the suspension, resulting in her ineligibility to compete in any national competition or training events during this period.
Charlotte responded to the decision on social media yesterday, stating:
“I fully respect the verdict issued by the Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), released today.
As the federation has recognised, my actions in the video do not reflect who I am and I can only apologise again. I understand the responsibility that comes with my position in the sport, and I will forever aim to do better.
This has undoubtedly been one of the darkest and most difficult periods of my life, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me during this time. To those of you who have sent messages, emails and tried to reach me to check in on how lam – thank you. Every kind word truly has made a difference, more than you’ll ever know.
What I was unable to share at the time is that I am currently pregnant, with my baby due in February. This was planned well before the Olympics and something my partner Dean and I have been excited about for a long time.
At the moment, the energy I have is focused on Dean and our daughter Isabella, and we are all very much looking forward to the arrival of our new family member.”
You can read more information about the FEI’s decision here. Meanwhile, we are still awaiting updates on the ongoing investigation into abuse allegations against 5* eventer Andrew McConnon, who is not listed on the currently open Case Status Table of FEI suspensions as of today.
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News & Reading
Don’t forget to enter our giveaway to win a $400 shopping spree with the new apparel brand, Thiandro Equestrian! Click here to enter before Monday, December 9.
Toxic barn behavior: it’s likely we’ve all experienced it to some degree. This reprint from The Plaid Horse is a worthwhile read, offering insight on how one rider was affected by a toxic barn environment, and how she navigated through it. Read the piece here.
What is Neuroathletic training? It’s using the power of brain science to unlock an athlete’s full body potential. Every movement of the rider’s body starts in the brain. Olympic competitor and coach Marc Nölke explains how to direct the specific areas of the brain that control stability, sense of rhythm, precision of movement, breathing, and vision. With his unique brain-focused exercises, riders learn how to change the input sent to their brain to get healthier, more athletic output. Read an excerpt from Marc’s book here.
In The Chronicle of the Horse‘s new series, Ask Stable Sage, one reader asks about financial responsibility in the horse world. Is that even a thing? It certainly can be with a dash of responsibility and accountability, but it requires a fine balance and a willingness to get creative. Read the first Ask Stable Sage column here.
Registration is still open for the IGNITE 2nd Annual Sports Science for the Olympic Disciplines Seminar, happening at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala January 12 and 13, 2025. During this two-day seminar, thought-leaders from both equestrian and human-centric sports will gather to discuss how to use technology to enhance precision within training programs, how athletes acquire skills, how exercise impacts the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems in human and equine athletes, and how to manage chronic injuries, among other topics. Interested parties can view more and register here.
Sponsor Corner: Stable View
It may be a wrap on 2024, but we’re already keen to get going with the 2025 season at Stable View in Aiken, SC! Entries for their Aiken Opener H.T. (January 18-19) are currently open and the perfect way to get your new year off to a rocking start. Click here to view the full recognized eventing calendar at Stable View for the year ahead.
Video Break
In the latest episode of RIDE, presented by Longines, take a trip with the FEI back to 1913 North East England, a time rich in British history and once home to the small but mighty ‘Pit Pony’:
