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.

Ok. We'll have to agree to disagree on that one. Can I take you back to the FEI concept of "social licence to operate" Its not new but they have been really, I think, in advance because they have publicly recognised it. The concept is important because it means that equine sport will be judged by the global public. Take a look at the link to their presentation that I posted if you haven't all ready. What it does mean is that "I see happy horses" "we aren't all bad, its few bad apples" "trust us to sort it" "Not all trainers are like that"....none of that will wash without open acceptance that there are abuse issues, serious ones, and that they will no longer be covered up, that even the HINT of unnacceptable behaviour will be landed on with big boots. A defensive mindset, even while understandable, will not help. I too would be sorry to see the end of horse/human partnerships. I'd be sorry to see the end of dressage as an activity because of the benefits to that partnership. I'd kick the bloodstock industry and puissance to the kerb without a second thought....but honestly the only way that people who want to will get some balance and stop the "no horse should be ridden" movement is to get away from defensive to open demonstration of its kindness and benefits.

More horrific cruelty in Greece. What is wrong with people?

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13671003/The-shocking-plight-Greek-donkey-taxis-Desperate-appeal-end-cruel-rides-holiday-resorts-pictures-animals-carrying-obese-tourists-carting-two-people-steep-slope-Rhodes.html

Humans aren't known for their compassion towards other species. Use and abuse. It is sickening.

You'd think the [insert word for current year's word for fat] idiots would think better. But no.

Reply, there's 2 more pages, not sure if this will come through properly but you get the jist

That's a good reply? Were you happy with it?

This is the bloke who urged its members to be kind to CDJ.

I don't think any individual has to be deliberately unkind to CjD. She's been punished. What she did was awful. But I really think there are people online who won't be happy until she's dead.

Mmm it's PR damage limitation blurb isn't it? I mean yes he's saying all the right things but 😏.

I'm not one of the people calling for a ban on equestrian sports, I've owned 3 horses myself but I do think GP dressage is in a difficult league and not in a good way.

I agree. Although dds dressage trainer competes at GP and her horses are barefoot, go hacking and she's really kind! But I guess I thought CjD was kind as well.

Yes that's dreadful if people are really wishing that. I must admit, I'm very curious as to what she's doing right now. I mean, give up, go away and work in Tesco for the rest of her life? Become evangelical about the whole thing and devote her life to horse welfare? Lay low and get some fancy PR company to try and reinstall her as the Queen of Dressage? I'm intrigued, definitely don't wish her any ill although I'd possibly not step in particularly quickly if someone were to turn that lunge whip on her for a minute or so.

That's good to know.

Yes, we were all taken in hook, line and sinker by CD weren't we 😓

I can imagine that waking up for the last few mornings has been extremely difficult.

I do imagine it's very hard given her life has imploded but the blame is 100% at her feet, what was she thinking? What I find most upsetting is that she knew there were people in the arena with her, she would know they were probably/possibly filming her - so, my dark thoughts ask what on earth did she think was acceptable when there was no one around 😢. I find it quite unbearable to go there tbh

I wonder if it really was a moment of complete madness. I know enough competition riders to know for a fact its not normal practice. Anyway, her life is ruined, I should think her mental health is rock bottom and I doubt we'll hear anything from her for a long time.

Dd showed me a video of Jack Whitaker absolutely laying into his horse at a show jumping competition. He didn't lose a single sponsor. Which seems hypocritical.

Seriously I hope so. I'd hate to think she was all"heigh ho whats next then?"

No way, as I said in my letter, the whipping was so methodical, she was no stranger to that whip sadly.

Awful re Whitaker

I agree it's weird how some cases create a media frenzy whilst others go practically unnoticed. I think her website and image etc were so slick and perfect, it's a very long way to fall when you stuff up as badly as she has. I don't feel sorry for her though, I feel sorry for all the horses she's doubtless whipped and done God knows what else to without second thought over the years.

Yes that's really sad.

Hence the excellent timing

It was excellent, maximum scrutiny and publicity. Well done whistle blower

Glad she's been caught out. Absolute cunt.

Judging by Jason Brautigam's reaction here, I would not be impressed by any response from him. https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/29486455/charlotte-dujardin-horse-whipping-timed-cause-maximum-damage/

@godmum56
Precisely.
Dressage is rotten to the core from the top down.

See I don't think its is. Obviously there is a massive issue at the highest level of competition and that has a horrible possibility of tainting the rest. Its why I think the only way to save it is to be totally open about the abusers, brutal when dealing with them and crystal clear about the consequences of abuse, of supporting or concealing abuse or abusers. No "duty of care to each other" no "being kind" No mercy.