What could clearly go wrong just before the Paris Olympics? Ask Charlotte Dujardin. The 39-year-old holds the joint British record for being the most decorated female Olympian. However, with a turn of a few hours, she has left her chance to become the most decorated British female Olympian ever.

The situation went down south when a four-year-old clip displayed the equestrian legend abusing her equine in a training session in a private stable. All hell broke loose when the video was submitted to FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) by an unknown source, and the authority ordered an investigation accusing Charlotte Dujardin of “making an error of judgment.” Furthermore, it saw the case as the three-time Olympic champion “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare.” Subsequently, the British maestro posted her ultimate decision on Instagram. 

In her long Instagram post, Charlotte has informed that she is moving out of the Paris Olympics because of the ongoing investigation. Furthermore, in clearing her position, she has penned down, “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.” Notably, the British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage had to get involved in the investigation. However, according to further updates, the FEI has suspended Charlotte Dujardin for six months for the equine-abusing offense. Furthermore, FEI had certain things to add. 

While letting the judgment out, the international body said that Charlotte had fully cooperated with the investigation process, where the complainant body had remained unidentified. However, the guilt has touched the core of the London native legend. In reflecting on that, she added, “I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans, and sponsors.” Her absence at the Paris Olympics would be greatly felt. Even the judging authority, FEI, could not ignore that. 

Issuing his take on the situation, FEI president Ingmar De Vos added, “We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”Alongside that, the president confirmed that their priority is equine welfare, and they will not compromise on it by any chance. Meanwhile, for Charlotte Dujardin, her equines have been eye candy, as she mentioned a few days ago. 

Charlotte Dujardin describes her job as being a new ‘mum’

Charlotte Dujardin has six Olympic medals, and just one more medal could have let her topple cyclist Laura Kenny and become the number one in British Olympic history. However, the veteran wasn’t chasing any records. Rather, she wanted to make her fourth Olympic appearance memorable just for Isabella, her daughter. 

After serving three Olympics on the trot, Charlotte was about to enter the Paris one, after embracing her motherhood. So, setting up a better example was her priority. Echoing that, she said, “Hopefully one day when she (daughter Isabella) is a bit older and whatever she wants to do in life, whether it be horses or another sport, I can inspire her and make her realise how hard work it is and what it takes to be able to go to an Olympic Games.” Meanwhile, she wanted to set an example in equine -welfare as well. 

In Paris, Charlotte Dujardin was set to accompany Pete, an 11-year-old gelding Imhotep. Speaking of her equine, she felt emotional, expressing, “Pete’s a very enthusiastic horse and that’s the sort of horse that I like.” But now everything seems to be in standstill mode, as Charlotte Dujardin is far from entering the Paris Olympics. Let’s hope the situation exemplifies the FEI’s mindset toward eradicating the nuisance called animal abuse.