Is it true about Charlotte Dujardin withdrawing from the Olympics?

[Freakwave897]

Or is it fake news?

It’s so disappointing if true…

I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe what I am hearing.

Well I did wonder about that, but she wouldn’t have withdrawn from the olympics if that’s all it was

They always say 'out of character' but what are the chances of being filmed the 'only' time you abused a horse if that is indeed what happened!

The film has entered a bidding war with the media and when it comes out I expect she will lose a lot of support.

I’m not necessarily doubting you FourLeggedBuckers

As a huge fan of Charlotte, it’s just hard to read or take in I suppose.

Trying to remain neutral at this point.

I like to give people the benefit of the doubt.

But equally, as a horse owner, I cannot stand cruelty of any kind.

given that she herself has admitted a lapse in judgement I don’t think it’s a video that’s going to be open to interpretation somehow…

It might look worse than it is to the general public, but if that were the case, presumably Olympic Equestrians would know what they are looking at and she wouldn't have to withdraw, or apologise for her lapse over it.

@GrazingSheep "Maximum impact to say something now.
Presumably it would have just been brushed under the carpet at any other time."

Which would obviously be a bad thing? Just checking....

Charlotte must be filmed almost on a daily basis though!

Top dressage riders teach on-line all of the time.

And it’s standard practice for many face to face pupils to ask to film a lesson so they can play it back later.

Horses are often filmed for owners and sponsors too. And if they are being sold. They are also filmed for vets to monitor progress.

with the advent of mobile phones and people being able to film anywhere this unfortunately wont be the last incident involving top level riders and their practices to get results
What may have been acceptable years ago is nowhere near acceptable now
I am surprised that steroid injections into dressage horses joints are not followed more closely either

@Stereofind in which case it will be resolved quickly and her name cleared.

If she's found guilty then she must face the consequences of that

I am expecting a damning video when it is released.

@Freakwave897 this is why you should only be “a big fan” of people you really know well. Not people you have only seen when they are on show to the world.
That said if something similar came out about John Whittaker, that would surprise me.

Yes although I’m not sure that is how “fan-dom” really works in reality does it?

I have attended two demos by Carl and Charlotte if that counts …

The media outlets are now reporting she repeatedly whipped a horse’s legs.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13663881/Team-GBs-three-time-Olympic-dressage-champion-Charlotte-Dujardin-WITHDRAWS-Paris-Games-video-showing-making-error-judgement-coaching-session.html

Headline news unfortunately.

Yes, but on the basis she's felt the need to withdraw, I can't imagine that's what happened.

Was commenting on another forum but button pushers have got it shut down...

It definitely seems a case of jump before you're pushed, I haven't to high level but have seen videos of the legs being touched with the whip when training piaffe etc in hand, but only touched

You'd think if there was nothing that went on, she wouldn't withdraw from the Olympics...

I thought she was one of the good guys...

At this point you simply must question the existence of professional horse sport, when the mask slips from even the ones you thought were the advocates of welfare.

Like people say, the timing is for maximum impact and exposure, if it was any other time, it doesn't make BBC headlines, thus drawing in a wider audience - how many of the other exposures have made national news? I know some is to do with her being very decorated but even so...

@Freakwave897 that’s my point really, admire the local person who runs a food bank or the riding instructor who helps you reach your goals.

Let’s face it, dressage is bullying horses anyway. I am surprised as I didn’t think she was a likely candidate for abusing an animal - she has clearly really messed up but nonetheless I do hope she is ok. Her world must be in bits right now.

Thanks for the advice but no one is going to stop me following and admiring the skill and courage and downright dedication of certain equestrians. Ros Canter for example.

You make it sound as if “being a fan” is tantamount to a silly teenage crush; but it is perfectly possible to admire the competence and expertise of someone, and learn from them, without knowing that person in reality.

I think it’s very clear that the video is, as Charlotte herself has stated, deeply embarrassing. I don’t think we need to define tapping versus hitting, because Charlotte herself has regrettably announced her mea culpa. She has taken the decision herself. I think we need to respect what she knows is acceptable or not in the sport.

Article in the DM says she was whipping a horse on the legs, if this is normal practice and safe she wouldn’t have stepped down. Cruelty to animals is barbaric, if it is true I hope she gets prosecuted.

Yes. Sadly.

Very wise post.

The Times is also asserting she whipped the horse on the legs.

Whoever has held onto a video that shows her abusing a horse should be absolutely ashamed at holding onto it for four years for the media impact. That’s four more years of doing the same.

She’s well known to be part of the ‘blue tongue and bloody spurs’ club. If you look closely you can see the scarring up some of her horses sides.