Charlotte's suspension a wake-up call for the sport

The double Olympic champion has withdrawn from the Paris Olympic team after a video of her whip use emerged

- ELEANOR JONES

THE firestorm over Charlotte Dujardin’s suspension is a “massive wake-up call” for everyone in horse sport.

The double Olympic champion put out a statement on 23 July to say she was withdrawing from the Olympic team, and all competition, after a video emerged of her using a lunge whip while coaching a horse and rider.

Charlotte said she was “deeply ashamed” and “sincerely sorry for my actions”, which she described as an “error of judgement”.

That evening, the FEI provisionally suspended Charlotte over the video, which shows “conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare”. British Equestrian (BEF) has mirrored the suspension, so she may not participate in national or international events.

The FEI said the video was “allegedly taken several years ago during a training session”.