Charlotte Dujardin Banned for Horse Whipping

Charlotte Dujardin, a three-time Olympic dressage gold medallist, has been suspended for one year following a horse-whipping incident that led to her withdrawal from the Paris Games. The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) sanctioned Dujardin after a video surfaced showing her striking a horse with a whip up to 24 times, prompting significant backlash regarding horse welfare. Dujardin has expressed deep remorse for her 'error of judgement' and has been fined 10,000 Swiss francs. The suspension, which is backdated to July 2024, prohibits her from participating in any competitions under FEI or national federation jurisdictions. This incident has raised concerns about the future of dressage, especially in light of the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, as the sport seeks to maintain its reputation amidst this scandal. Dujardin's case has also put her sponsorships and career in jeopardy, highlighting the broader implications for equestrian sports.