Scandals in Equestrian Sports During Paris Olympics: A Call for Change

Scandals Rock Horse Riding Ethics During Paris Olympics

The world of horse riding is once again facing scrutiny as a series of scandals have emerged during the ongoing Paris Olympics. Among the most notable incidents is the suspension of Charlotte Dujardin, who stands as Great Britain’s joint-most successful female Olympian. Dujardin’s provisional suspension by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) followed the release of a troubling video, which appeared to show her striking a horse with a whip multiple times during a coaching session. This footage, highlighted by the UK television show Good Morning Britain, ignited a firestorm of backlash and prompted widespread condemnation.

In response to the controversy, animal welfare charity Brooke announced they would terminate their ambassadorial relationship with Dujardin, stating, “We were deeply disturbed to learn about this video.” The footage in question was reportedly recorded around two years ago. Dujardin has since described the incident as an “error of judgement”, asserting that it does not represent her training methods or coaching philosophy. She took to Instagram to express her remorse and clarify her stance on equine welfare.

However, a lawyer representing the individual who lodged the complaint against Dujardin contended that the behavior observed in the video is not uncommon in the training practices at her stables.

Brazilian Rider Faces Repercussions for Horse Neck Hyperflexion

Shortly after Dujardin’s suspension, Brazilian equestrian Carlos Parro was issued a yellow warning card by the FEI for potentially causing “unnecessary discomfort” to his horse, Safira, during the Olympics. The authorities acted upon receiving photographic evidence that indicated Parro was hyperflexing the horse’s neck in a move known as “Rollkur,” which is prohibited due to concerns that it can hinder the animal’s breathing.

This public outcry follows a similar incident from three years ago, when a German coach was suspended from the Tokyo Olympics for physically striking a horse that was not cooperating. In light of these events, a petition on Change.org advocating for the removal of horse-related disciplines from the Olympics has garnered nearly 30,000 signatures. This movement has received support from various NGOs, including the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which has long protested against practices in horse racing. Notably, horses will no longer be part of the modern pentathlon starting in Los Angeles in 2028.

Prioritizing Horse Health: A Call to Action

Lisa Lazarus, CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, emphasizes the critical importance of equine welfare across all horse sports. “Whether it’s polo, dressage, show jumping, or horse racing, the welfare of the horse must always be the priority,” she asserts. “If the well-being of the horse is not clearly prioritized and communicated to the public and regulators, the sport could face serious jeopardy.” This call to action underlines the need for a cultural shift within equestrian sports to ensure that the health and welfare of horses are at the forefront of all activities.