GB's Dujardin provisionally banned and out of Olympics as video emerges

Charlotte Dujardin, Britain's joint-most decorated female Olympian, has been provisionally suspended for six months by equestrian's governing body the FEI.

The dressage star had already pulled out of Paris 2024 after a video emerged which she said showed her "making an error of judgement".

The FEI said it had received footage showing three-time Olympic gold medallist Dujardin "engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare - during a training session conducted at Ms Durjardin’s private stable".

A lawyer representing the claimant who filed an official complaint against Dujardin to the FEI said in an accompanying letter seen by the BBC "the video shows Ms Dujardin beating a horse excessively with a whip".

They added: "My client is aware that this complaint could have far-reaching consequences for Ms Dujardin, including disciplinary sanctions. My client had to think long and hard about whether to bring this to your attention this way."

The FEI said Dujardin confirmed she was the individual in the video which was "filmed several years ago" and "requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations".

Although the ban remains provisional while the FEI investigates, Dujardin, who has six Olympic medals in total, has said she will "withdraw from all competition while this process takes place".

"What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse," she said in statement.

"I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment."

The British Equestrian Federation has also mirrored the provisional suspension.

In a statement the FEI added it "intends to proceed [its investigation] as swiftly as possible".

"It is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised," said FEI president Ingmar De Vos.

"Charlotte [Dujardin] has expressed genuine remorse for her actions, and we recognise and appreciate her willingness to take responsibility.

"Despite the unfortunate timing, we believe this action reaffirms the FEI's commitment to welfare as the guardians of our equine partners and the integrity of our sport."

At the last Olympics in Tokyo in 2021, German modern pentathlon coach Kim Raisner was disqualified from the Games for appearing to punch a horse.

That incident sparked a major overhaul of the event with the equestrian element replaced by an obstacle course.

Becky Moody and her horse Jagerbomb are Team GB's alternate combination for the dressage.

Dujardin, 39, won team and individual gold medals at the London 2012 Games on Valegro, and the pair went on to win individual gold and team silver four years later in Rio.

On a different horse, Gio, she won two bronzes at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games.

Dujardin had been set to compete in both the individual dressage and team event alongside Carl Hester and world champion Lottie Fry, on new horse Imhotep.

She needed a medal of any colour to take the outright lead as most-decorated British female Olympian from now-retired cyclist Dame Laura Kenny.

Speaking to BBC Sport last week, Dujardin said it felt "surreal" to be on the cusp of that achievement and doing so would be "one of the most incredible moments".