The boss of British Dressage, Jason Brautigam, believes the leaked video of Charlotte Durjardin seemingly whipping a horse was 'timed to cause maximum damage'.
The 39-year-old had been hoping to become Britain's most-decorated Olympian this summer. However, she withdrew from the games earlier this week, saying she'd made an 'error of judgement'.
Video footage then leaked allegedly showing Dujardin whipping a horse multiple times, with the animal then bucking in response.
Stephan Wensing, a lawyer for the whistleblower who shared the video, has accused the Team GB star of beating the animal more than 24 times in a minute.
Olympics: Charlotte Dujardin is currently in the spotlight after being forced to withdraw from the Paris games
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Durjardin has already apologised for her actions, with the veteran saying: "A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session.
"Understandably, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is investigating and I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition - including the Paris Olympics - while this process takes place.
"What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse.
"I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.
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"I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors.
"I will cooperate fully with the FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage during their investigations, and will not be commenting further until the process is complete."
Brautigam has now addressed the situation, with the British Dressage boss calling for people to 'be kind' to Durjardin.
He also suggested that the leak had been intended to damage her career, too. In a letter to members publicised last night, he said: "I do find claims that this was done to 'save dressage' somewhat disingenuous, given that it was timed to cause maximum damage to our sport.
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"However, what will save dressage is how we all respond to this crisis by demonstrating our love and care for horses."
Brautigam also condemned the actions of Durjardin, adding: "Let me be clear: the actions we have witnessed in that video are completely unacceptable.
"We have all been shocked and appalled by this indefensible conduct.
"As I have always said, the horse is at the heart of everything we do in British Dressage, and equine welfare must always be paramount above all other considerations."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
On the eve of the official opening of the Paris 2024 Olympics, members are invited to read a personal message shared this evening from our Chief Executive Jason Brautigam, reflecting on what this week’s challenges mean for us and the future of our sport. https://t.co/vkz55QZwSq pic.twitter.com/OZ2bI6md84
— British Dressage (@britishdressage) July 25, 2024
Brautigam does say Durjardin has done the right thing by fronting up and apologising, however.
"Charlotte Dujardin has done the right thing by accepting responsibility and expressing remorse," he added.
"While we do not condone her behaviour, we must remember that there is also a human element to this – and, regardless of what has happened, she still deserves our understanding.
"Please be kind and bear in mind that we have a duty of care in our interactions with one another."
Olympics: Charlotte Dujardin has apologised for her actions
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Durjardin has been slapped with a provisional six-month ban for her actions.
She has also been axed by a horse and donkey charity, with two equestrian sponsors parting ways with the 39-year-old as well.
