British Equestrian (BEF) and British Dressage (BD) have today, December 5th 2024, announced they fully endorse the statement by the international regulator Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) regarding their investigation and subsequent sanctioning of equestrian athlete Charlotte Dujardin.
On the eve of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Ms Dujardin agreed to take voluntary suspension and withdrew from the Games following equine welfare allegations and the FEI subsequently launched an investigation. The resulting sanction of a one-year suspension, including time already served since her provisional suspension and fine of CHF10,000, approximately £8,900, was duly accepted by Ms Dujardin and is effective immediately.
Following the FEI ruling, British Equestrian and British Dressage will be reciprocating the suspension, in accordance with their respective rules and regulations. The suspension covers exclusion from any part in any competition or event under the jurisdiction of the FEI or BEF/BD, including riding and related activities such as coaching (FEI athletes and/or horses, BEF World Class Programme members or training run under the auspices of BD). No further disciplinary proceedings will be taken by the BEF or BD in relation to this case.
Jim Eyre, Chief Executive of British Equestrian commented; “We are confident that this has been a thorough disciplinary process and thank those involved for their professional approach. The sanctions were discussed at board level by BEF and BD and both agreed that the suspension and fine are in line with the parameters outlined in the FEI’s regulatory framework.
“The welfare and ethical treatment of horses has always been a priority and no one involved in our sport should be in any doubt that we expect the highest standards at all times. We will continue to work with our member bodies tirelessly to uphold the integrity of our sports through enforcement, education, and advancement in our knowledge.”
Jason Brautigam, Chief Executive of British Dressage, stated: “We stand united with the FEI in taking a zero-tolerance approach to any breaches of our equine welfare policies – and this case has proved that these disciplinary processes work, regardless of the status of the individual concerned.
“We launched the Charter for the Horse last year and remain totally committed to upholding these standards. Working closely with our colleagues across the Federation, we will continue to collectively put the health, care and wellbeing of the horse at the heart of everything we do, and proactively demonstrate that equestrian sport is conducted in an ethical and responsible way.”
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.