Charlotte Dujardin's Suspension Raises Questions About Dressage's Olympic Future

The British Olympian's one-year ban for horse-whipping has reignited debates on animal welfare and the viability of equestrian sports in the Games.

Charlotte Dujardin, a decorated British Olympian, has been suspended for one year after a video showed her whipping a horse 24 times during a training session.
The incident has severely damaged her reputation, leading to the loss of sponsors and strained relationships within the equestrian community, including with her mentor Carl Hester.
The scandal has intensified scrutiny on animal welfare in equestrian sports, with critics arguing that such incidents reflect broader systemic issues in dressage and related disciplines.
The International Olympic Committee and the FEI face mounting pressure to address these concerns, with fears that dressage may be removed from future Olympic Games due to reputational risks.
Despite the controversy, Dujardin plans to return to competition after her suspension, aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with new support and resources.