British Olympic Legend ‘Mentally Devastated’ by Scandal That Prevented Her Participation in Paris Games

Britain’s equestrian legend Charlotte Dujardin is grappling with the fallout from a horse-whipping scandal that has resulted in her withdrawal from the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.

The 39-year-old, one of Team GB’s most decorated female Olympians, was slated to compete in both the individual dressage and team events but was forced to pull out after a video surfaced showing her whipping a horse’s legs during a coaching session four years ago.

Dujardin has received death threats in the wake of the scandal (Picture: REUTERS)

In her statement, Dujardin admitted to making an “error of judgment” and expressed deep shame over her actions. She is awaiting a tribunal to determine the length of any potential suspension from the sport.

Months after the incident came to light, sources close to Dujardin revealed that she continues to endure severe mental distress, including ongoing death threats and harassment.

An anonymous rider from Dujardin’s training yard shared, “Mentally, they are crucifying her. She’s got antis [anti-hunt saboteurs] outside the house, death threats.

Farriers have been threatened for going in and shoeing the horses. Horrific.”

The scandal’s implications extend beyond emotional distress; Dujardin has suffered significant financial repercussions, including losing UK Sport funding and terminating contracts with seven sponsors. Considering recent disciplinary actions, including an eight-month suspension given to Danish rider Carina Kruth for a similar offence, Dujardin may also be facing a lengthy ban.

The identity of the whistle-blower who recorded the controversial video remains unknown.

However, Dutch equine lawyer Stephan Wensing, who filed the complaint, stressed that his client did not enjoy the outcome. “It’s not fun to ruin a career,” he remarked. “But she told me this had to be done as she wants to save dressage.”

Alicia Dickinson, a dressage trainer who witnessed the incident, clarified that she was not the whistle-blower. “Charlotte has many enemies.

It could have been anyone [who leaked the video]. Still, I got the backlash,” she stated, noting that her business relationship with Dujardin ended following the lesson shown in the video. The situation has left a complex and contentious atmosphere within the equestrian community.