Charlotte Dujardin Banned for One Year by FEI After Horse Whipping Incident Caught on Video

Olympic Champion Faces One-Year Ban Over Horse Welfare Breach

A video showing Charlotte Dujardin, Britain’s star dressage rider, repeatedly whipping a horse during a private training session has led to a one-year suspension from the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The footage, dated July 22, 2024, surfaced when an anonymous source sent it to the FEI through Dutch attorney Stephan Wensing. What the video allegedly reveals—Dujardin striking the horse over 20 times around its legs—has shocked many in the horse sport community. The FEI didn't hesitate. They issued a provisional suspension almost immediately, and by July 23, she was off the competition circuit.

The fallout didn’t stop at the international level. British Equestrian and British Dressage joined in, barring Dujardin from competing or even training in national events during the ban. For a rider who’s collected three Olympic golds and become a household name in British sport, this marks a very public setback.

Sanctions Signal Tougher Stand on Equine Welfare

The FEI’s penalty is steep. Along with the suspension, Dujardin faces a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs—about $11,300. For an athlete of her profile, the message is clear: star power offers no protection where horse welfare is at stake. Charlotte Dujardin admitted to the incident and hasn’t contested the facts, saying her attention has moved to her growing family. She’s expecting her second child in early 2025 and plans to refocus on competition only after the suspension lifts on July 23, 2025.

The FEI cited their own internal regulations, specifically referencing Articles 163–164, which deal with maintaining the highest animal welfare standards in equestrian sport. Dujardin’s ban started immediately—meaning she can’t ride, train, or show in any FEI-recognized or national competition for the next twelve months. The period including her provisional suspension counts toward her total ban, so there’s no extra penalty on top.

This sanctions wave is more than just about Dujardin. The FEI wants to send a message that the reputation, achievements, or celebrity of a rider won’t halt strict action if rules are broken. The governing body’s statement hammered home one point: protecting horses isn’t up for debate, and anyone stepping out of line will get the same treatment. With cameras everywhere and the ability to submit video evidence as easily as sending an email, the world of elite equestrian sport could be looking at a new era—one where accountability isn’t just for the relatively unknown, but for champions too.