Olympic hero banned for 12 months after shocking video surfaces!
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The equestrian world has been rocked by a scandal that has seen one of its most decorated athletes face a severe penalty for her treatment of a horse.
The British rider, known for her Olympic triumphs and contributions to dressage, has been handed a 12-month ban and a $17,500 fine after a distressing video surfaced.
The video showcases behaviour widely condemned by the equestrian community and beyond.
The video, circulating since July, depicts Charlotte Dujardin, a triple gold medallist, engaging in what has been described as 'horsewhipping', striking the animal 24 times in just one minute during a private coaching session.
The footage, which has prompted outrage and disappointment among fans and animal welfare advocates alike, has led to Dujardin's provisional suspension by the International Federation for Equestrian (FEI) Sports and an ensuing investigation.
The FEI's decision to ban Dujardin for a year, with the ban backdated, means that the equestrian star will be eligible to return to competition in July 2025.
This ruling sends a strong message that the welfare of horses is paramount and that any actions compromising their well-being will not be tolerated, regardless of the perpetrator's status or achievements.
Sabrina Ibanez, FEI secretary general, emphasised the organisation's dedication to equine welfare, stating:
'These significant sanctions send a clear message that anyone regardless of their profile, who engages in conduct that compromises the welfare of the horse will face serious consequences.'
The FEI's stance reaffirms its role as a guardian of equine partners and its commitment to the ethical treatment of these majestic animals.
The British Equestrian chief, Jim Eyre, echoed this sentiment, vowing to work 'tirelessly' with members to maintain the integrity of the sport and ensure that the health and well-being of horses remain at the forefront of equestrian activities.
In the wake of the scandal, Dujardin apologised, acknowledging her 'error of judgement' and expressing deep remorse for her actions, which she described as 'completely out of character.'
Despite her contrition, the fallout from the incident has been significant, with sponsors severing ties and a potential damehood reportedly slipping through her fingers.
The equestrian community has been left reeling, with former Horse and Hound editor Lucy Higginson expressing profound shock and conservative commentator David Kurten questioning the prevalence of such practices in dressage training.
In other news, CCTV footage showed a horse leisurely wandering along the platform at Warwick Farm Station in Sydney's southwest on a Friday night.
Appearing to seek refuge from the rain, the horse created a unique sight as it strolled up and down the platform for about five minutes. You can read more about it here.
Credit: YouTube
How do you feel about the sanctions imposed on Charlotte Dujardin? Do you believe the equestrian community can recover from this scandal? Let us know in the comments below.
The British rider, known for her Olympic triumphs and contributions to dressage, has been handed a 12-month ban and a $17,500 fine after a distressing video surfaced.
The video showcases behaviour widely condemned by the equestrian community and beyond.
The video, circulating since July, depicts Charlotte Dujardin, a triple gold medallist, engaging in what has been described as 'horsewhipping', striking the animal 24 times in just one minute during a private coaching session.
The footage, which has prompted outrage and disappointment among fans and animal welfare advocates alike, has led to Dujardin's provisional suspension by the International Federation for Equestrian (FEI) Sports and an ensuing investigation.
The FEI's decision to ban Dujardin for a year, with the ban backdated, means that the equestrian star will be eligible to return to competition in July 2025.
Charlotte Dujardin, an Olympic equestrian, has been banned for 12 months and fined after being shown whipping a horse multiple times in a video. Credit: ITV News / Youtube
This ruling sends a strong message that the welfare of horses is paramount and that any actions compromising their well-being will not be tolerated, regardless of the perpetrator's status or achievements.
Sabrina Ibanez, FEI secretary general, emphasised the organisation's dedication to equine welfare, stating:
'These significant sanctions send a clear message that anyone regardless of their profile, who engages in conduct that compromises the welfare of the horse will face serious consequences.'
The FEI's stance reaffirms its role as a guardian of equine partners and its commitment to the ethical treatment of these majestic animals.
The British Equestrian chief, Jim Eyre, echoed this sentiment, vowing to work 'tirelessly' with members to maintain the integrity of the sport and ensure that the health and well-being of horses remain at the forefront of equestrian activities.
In the wake of the scandal, Dujardin apologised, acknowledging her 'error of judgement' and expressing deep remorse for her actions, which she described as 'completely out of character.'
Despite her contrition, the fallout from the incident has been significant, with sponsors severing ties and a potential damehood reportedly slipping through her fingers.
The equestrian community has been left reeling, with former Horse and Hound editor Lucy Higginson expressing profound shock and conservative commentator David Kurten questioning the prevalence of such practices in dressage training.
In other news, CCTV footage showed a horse leisurely wandering along the platform at Warwick Farm Station in Sydney's southwest on a Friday night.
Appearing to seek refuge from the rain, the horse created a unique sight as it strolled up and down the platform for about five minutes. You can read more about it here.
Credit: YouTube
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stupid c...’t
