The equestrian community is currently facing a critical moment following the recent revelations about Charlotte Dujardin. The video that surfaced shows behaviour that is distressing and unacceptable, we can all agree on that. It can’t be disputed. Social licensing is on the line, the world is watching, the optics are poor and yet, the abuse and hatred online is not insignificant.

While it is essential to condemn these actions, it is equally important to separate the actions from the individual. Charlotte Dujardin’s decision to cooperate fully with the investigation and to remove herself from competition before it was mandated was a commendable step that shows her understanding of the situation’s gravity. This doesn’t excuse the behaviour so don’t try and put words in my mouth, she made a BIG mistake… and now she has to deal with the consequences of her actions but that IS NOT TRIAL BY SOCIAL!!!

We can’t advocate for mental health, for suicide prevention and condone the venom, anger and aggression coming out online. Charlotte deserves to be reprimanded by her backers, sponsors and the respective governing bodies or leaders involved. Not by me or you.

Equine Welfare at the Forefront

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) responded promptly by initiating a thorough investigation once the video was submitted and suspending Dujardin from all related activities. It does highlight the FEI’s commitment to horse welfare and the integrity of equestrian sports. However, it also sheds light on an industry-wide issue: ensuring that such actions are not occurring behind closed doors among other leading equestrians. The FEI’s response, while necessary, must also serve as a stepping stone towards more rigorous oversight and accountability in the sport. 

With great power comes great responsibility and there has to be an understanding by those at the top of their respective disciplines, the world is always watching, always!! With social licensing on the line, we really, as an industry need to stop shooting ourselves in the foot when the eyes of the world are on us. 

The last Olympics, this Olympics and now the IOC will review equestrian sports being part of LA based on the optics of this Olympics… we’re not off to a good start. We need to understand how fragile all this is… the positions we keep putting ourselves in and we also need to understand how amplifying all this online and trying to crucify people online both feeds the social media engine and slants peoples opinions of the industry as a whole. 

People in glass houses really shouldn’t throw stones!! There’s lots more I want to call out here and say, but I won’t contradict myself and feed the JURY BY SOCIAL MEDIA BEAST.

A Moment of Reflection and Responsibility

In a statement, Charlotte Dujardin expressed deep remorse, admitting there is “no excuse” for her behaviour and acknowledging the need for better judgement. Her willingness to face the consequences, ask to be suspended and what looks like profound regret signals a significant moment of reflection and responsibility. Yes, you can say only because she was caught… think about it… logically… There is no way being banned, losing sponsors, reputational damage, the public outcry and the venom online has not led to moments of regret and self reflection. This incident is a reminder that everyone, regardless of their stature, has to adhere to the principles of respect, care and equine welfare that our sport demands and again, the world is always watching. It is the age of social we live in.

The Horse’s Well-Being: A Central Concern

Amidst this controversy, the well-being of the horse involved remains a paramount concern. The equestrian world must focus on ensuring that the horse has back the and currently is receiving the proper care needed and that its welfare is being prioritised. While specific details about the horse’s current condition have not been disclosed to us, it is crucial for the community to demand transparency and assurance that the horse is being looked after. I wish we saw more about the horse online.

A Call for Compassion and Mental Health Awareness

To be clear, I am not standing with Charlotte… I am standing with Equine Welfare, Social Licensing, challenging the actions and not trying to crucify the person… That is up to the powers that be. For them to make a decision, to action outcomes not to create a scapegoat for an industry wide problem… I am also standing with mental health. Charlotte Dujardin’s actions are rightfully under scrutiny but the intense personal toll this situation has taken on her cannot be ignored. The online backlash she is facing is severe and it is pointless being part of the HAY ‘How are Ya?” Equestrian Mental Health Campaign, launching a mental health booklet with Equitas or Grassroots being part of The Equestrian Mental Health Summit without highlighting the importance of mental health. 

We must advocate for accountability with compassion, understanding that every individual can make mistakes. Dujardin’s career, built over years, now faces serious and significant challenges. That is the consequences of her actions and once the horse is ok and being looked after now, that should be enough.

A Commitment to Higher Standards

World Horse Welfare chief executive, Roly Owers, described this incident as a “massive wake-up call” for the entire equestrian community. This situation has sparked an important conversation about the standards we uphold and the continuous need to reinforce the respect and dignity every horse deserves. It calls for a renewed dedication to our values, ensuring that respect for horses remains at the core of everything we do. We have to be better across the industry, we have to do more and those at the top that are both heroes and leaders to so many need to truly understand the responsibility they have and the impact of their actions.

Moving Forward with Integrity

Mark England, Team GB’s chef de mission for the Paris Olympics, affirmed the importance of Dujardin’s withdrawal in light of the seriousness of the matter. This shows in a way the collective resolve to uphold the highest standards of equine welfare and sportsmanship. But we have to do more, we have to be better. And although the FEI has taken necessary steps, it is clear that more needs to be done to prevent such incidents from happening at the top levels of the sport.

As the FEI continues its investigation, this process is about more than just one individual; it is about safeguarding the future of our sport and the well-being of our horses. Let’s use this moment to reflect, learn, and strengthen our dedication to the welfare of horses and the integrity of equestrianism.

If we don’t, we will have caused the problems that come from this ourselves. And we will have no one to blame but ourselves. Sometimes you need a moment that is a catalyst for change and I really hope this is that moment when it comes to Equine Welfare.