THE FEI has sent a “clear message” in the one-year suspension of two-time dressage Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin.

“Anyone, regardless of their profile, who engages in conduct that compromises the welfare of the horse will face serious consequences,” said FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez in her statement following the findings of the case, released on Thursday.

The FEI suspended Dujardin for one year and imposed a fine of CHF 10,000 (€10,700), effectively concluding the disciplinary proceedings against her. She had been provisionally suspended since July 23rd, 2024 “for engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare” following the release of a video, which showed her whipping a horse from the ground while teaching a lesson.

The time served during her provisional suspension will be credited towards the one-year suspension.

An FEI press release this week said: “On July 22nd 2024, the FEI received a video, submitted by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant, that showed Dujardin excessively whipping a horse during a training session at a private stable. The FEI immediately began an investigation, and contacted both Dujardin and her National Federation.

“Dujardin confirmed she was the person in the video on July 23rd, and informed the FEI that she would withdraw from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. She also agreed to be provisionally suspended, pending the outcome of the investigation.

“The FEI’s investigation, conducted with Dujardin’s full cooperation, concluded that Dujardin was the only person who had engaged in a rule violation in relation to the video. Additionally, the investigation found that, aside from the conduct shown in the video, no other rule violations had occurred during, or in connection with, the training session. Since the video’s release, the FEI has not received any additional complaints or reports of violations concerning Dujardin’s conduct.”

The FEI added that, following the investigation, it initiated formal disciplinary proceedings, citing three charges i) abuse of horse; ii) conduct that brings the FEI and/or equestrian sport and the FEI into disrepute; iii) breach of the FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse.

Dujardin admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by the FEI. Following this, the FEI and Dujardin entered into an ‘Acceptance of Sanctions’ agreement, which was subsequently submitted to the FEI Tribunal, for confirmation in a binding FEI Tribunal decision. Dujardin’s acceptance of the proposed sanctions renders this decision final and not subject to appeal.

‘Darkest’ period

Dujardin released a statement on Thursday and also confirmed that she is expecting her second child in February. The horse she was selected with for the Paris Games, Imhotep, was sold in November.

“I fully respect the verdict issued by the FEI. 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 l am - 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.”

Dujardin will be free to get back to competition at the end of July 2025. She has not indicated what her plans will be.