Charlotte Dujardin Withdraws From Paris Olympics After Horse Abuse Video

Video Emerges of Repeated Whipping

Dressage Star Faces Suspension

Team GB's Charlotte Dujardin, one of Britain's most decorated female Olympians, has withdrawn from the Paris Games after a video surfaced showing her repeatedly whipping a horse during a training session. The 37-year-old dressage rider, who won team and individual gold medals at the London 2012 Games, is facing a suspension from the sport following the release of the disturbing footage.

The video, obtained by The Telegraph, appears to show Dujardin striking her horse, Valegro, with a whip at least six times in quick succession. The incident, which reportedly took place in April 2022, has sparked outrage among animal welfare groups and dressage enthusiasts alike.

Dujardin has since released a statement expressing her "deep regret" over the incident. She claims that she was "not thinking straight" at the time and that she "lost control of her emotions." However, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has launched an investigation into the matter and has provisionally suspended Dujardin from competition.

The fallout from the incident has cast a shadow over the British equestrian team's preparations for the Paris Olympics. Dujardin, who was expected to be one of the team's star performers, will now be unable to defend her gold medals. The FEI's investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen if Dujardin will face further sanctions.