Triple Olympic dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin has become embroiled in a new controversy surrounding her treatment of horses, following complaints about her horsemanship during a warm-up session at an event in Amsterdam. The incident has sparked fresh debate about welfare standards in elite equestrian sports.
Video Evidence Sparks Welfare Concerns
A near eight-minute video was shared on social media by the welfare organisation Collectif Pour Les Chevaux, which translates to Collective for Horses. The footage critically analysed Dujardin's riding technique on the mare named Alive and Kicking during the warm-up phase.
The organisation specifically highlighted Dujardin's use of spurs on her boots and her maintenance of a firm, tight rein on the horse throughout the session. According to the welfare group's assessment, the mare exhibited what they described as 'conflict behaviour' through movements of its mouth and tail, which they attributed directly to Dujardin's riding approach.
Veterinarian Raises Ethical Questions
The footage was captured by equine veterinarian Eva van Avermaet, who founded the welfare organisation five years ago. Speaking to the Times newspaper, Van Avermaet expressed significant concern about Dujardin's handling of the horse, particularly given the rider's recent history.
'I've never seen Dujardin go this hard in a warm-up before,' Van Avermaet stated. She questioned why Dujardin, who was riding in a public space where filming is common, did not modify her approach. 'After the whipping incident and the one-year suspension surely she, more than anyone, would be careful about how they handle their horse, especially in public.'
Van Avermaet added that she had reported her concerns to a steward at the event but observed no noticeable change in Dujardin's riding technique following their intervention.
Historical Context of Previous Sanctions
This controversy emerges against the backdrop of Dujardin's recent return from a one-year ban imposed by the International Equestrian Federation. The suspension resulted from a separate incident where video evidence showed Dujardin 'excessively whipping a horse' during a coaching session four years prior to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The International Equestrian Federation received the whipping video from Dutch equine lawyer Stephan Wensing, who submitted it on behalf of an unnamed client. Dujardin subsequently admitted to an 'error of judgement' and withdrew from the Paris Olympics just days before the Games were scheduled to begin.
Professional Consequences and Return
Following the whipping scandal, Britain's joint most decorated female Olympian faced significant professional repercussions. Several sponsors terminated their relationships with Dujardin, and global horse welfare charity Brooke dropped her as an ambassador.
After serving her suspension, which was backdated to the start of her provisional ban, Dujardin made her competitive return in July. She has since participated in several international events, achieving victory in Le Mans during October and securing a runner-up position at a competition in Kronenberg.
These performances qualified Dujardin for the Dressage World Cup in London, where she placed fifth in her most significant event since returning from the ban. Dujardin described the experience as 'very emotional' and expressed gratitude for the warm reception she received from fans.
Organisational Responses and Standards
When approached for comment by Daily Mail Sport, a representative for Dujardin referred inquiries to the British Equestrian Federation. According to the Times, the Federation declined to answer specific questions about whether they approved of Dujardin's riding in Amsterdam or whether it met their welfare standards.
The organisation reportedly stated that providing an accurate assessment was impossible because the circulated clip represented only a shortened version of a forty-five minute warm-up session. However, the Federation emphasised its commitment to horse welfare, telling the Times: 'We will not compromise and will never stop in the pursuit of the wellbeing of the horse.'
Broader Pattern of Scrutiny
Dujardin is not the only elite rider whose techniques have been scrutinised by horse welfare organisations. The Collective for Horses has shared similar videos featuring other prominent names within the sport, indicating a broader pattern of increased scrutiny regarding equestrian practices at the highest competitive levels.
The Amsterdam World Cup event, where the controversial warm-up occurred, saw Dujardin finish in sixth position overall. This latest incident raises ongoing questions about welfare standards, training methods, and public accountability within professional dressage competitions.
