Dujardin has MANY enemies – she’s thrown me under the bus but I’m NOT whistleblower, blasts dressage trainer
A DRESSAGE trainer has blasted Charlotte Dujardin for “throwing her under the bus” over the horse whipping horror.
Dujardin withdrew from Paris on Tuesday and was banned for six months by equestrian’s governing body pending an investigation into a video from four years ago.
The footage shows her making what she described as “an error of judgement” during a coaching session where she repeatedly hit a student’s horse with a whip from the ground.
Now Alicia Dickinson, who was identified by equestrian sources and online as being in the barn when the incident took place, has claimed Dujardin “has many enemies”.
Ms Dickinson runs online and classroom-based learning courses with VIP packages costing up to £50,000-a-head.
It is understood she took high net worth clients to Dujardin for training.
She last night denied being the whistleblower or recording the video.
Speaking at her home in Battersea, she said: “I am not the whistleblower. I did not film the footage.
“Our business relationship ended after the lesson shown in the video.”
The businesswoman, who is understood to have ties to a Dutch dressage stable, told pals she had been “thrown under the bus” by Dujardin.
She added: “Charlotte has many enemies. It could have been anyone but I got the backlash.”
Ms Dickinson’s identity was first revealed by a leading stud and dressage training yard in the Netherlands.
Another source who worked with Ms Dickinson for a year, said they were “100 per cent sure it was her” after recognising her “unmistakable voice”.
She has also been named widely online and on social media.
Who is Alicia Dickinson?
ALICIA Dickinson is a Grand Prix Dressage Rider.
She has a vast social media following for ‘YourRidingSuccess’ – a dressage education system.
The Australian claims to have reached over 20million equine enthusiasts worldwide with her coaching on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube.
Ms Dickinson runs online and classroom based learning courses with VIP packages costing up to £50,000-a-head.
The businesswoman lives in London with her husband and daughter.
On her company website, Alicia writes: “My story is really the same as most people’s.
“The only difference is I actually succeeded in fulfilling my childhood dreams to become a competitive Grand Prix dressage rider.
“What got me here is my love for the sport, my love of caring for the animals that make this sport possible, and my ability to believe that I was good enough but I just didn’t understand it – NOT that I wasn’t good enough.”
And last night her lawyer confirmed to The Sun that she was there.
But Ms Dickinson claims she did not film the clip.
It is understood the video was taken by the unknown mother of the rider seen on the horse.
It comes after the three-time British Olympic champion Dujardin was slapped with a provisional six-month ban.
Charlotte Dujardin's statement
“A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session.
“Understandably, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is investigating.
“And I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition – including the Paris Olympics – 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.
“I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.
“I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors.
“I will cooperate fully with the FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage during their investigations, and will not be commenting further until the process is complete.”
The equestrian pulled out of the Paris Olympics a day before footage was released of her allegedly whipping a horse 25 times.
She said she was “deeply ashamed” by her “error of judgement” in a coaching session at a private stable.
The six-time Olympic medallist has also seen her UK Sport funding scrapped pending the result of the investigation.
Meanwhile, she has been axed by a horse and donkey charity as well as two equestrian sponsors.
A second Olympic dressage scandal has also been sparked as another rider has been accused of striking a horse.
Paris Olympics show jumping contender Max Kuehner, from Austria, will be hauled before a judge in Germany after allegedly hitting his animal with a bar.
The pro equestrian, ranked number three in the world, is claimed to have struck the horse’s legs to make it jump higher, reports the Telegraph.
FEI statement in full on Charlotte Dujardin
THE FEI has officially announced the provisional suspension of British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin (FEI ID: 10028440) for a period of six months, effective immediately from the date of notification, 23 July 2024.
This decision renders her ineligible to participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games or any other events under the jurisdiction of the FEI.
During this period of suspension, she is prohibited from participating in any activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any competition or event under the jurisdiction of a National Federation (NF). This also includes any FEI or NF-related activities.
In addition, the British Equestrian Federation has mirrored this provisional suspension, which also makes Ms. Dujardin ineligible to compete in any national events during this period.
On 22 July 2024, the FEI received a video depicting Ms. Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. This video was submitted to the FEI by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant.
According to the information received, the footage was allegedly taken several years ago during a training session conducted by Ms. Dujardin at a private stable.
Upon receiving the video, the FEI promptly initiated an investigation. As part of this investigation, Ms. Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage were informed of the allegations. Ms Dujardin was given a deadline of 17:00 Swiss time on 23 July to respond to the allegations.
Subsequently, Ms. Dujardin confirmed that she is the individual depicted in the video and acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate.
On 23 July 2024, Charlotte Dujardin requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and also confirmed that she will not participate in any competitions pending the outcome of the FEI’s investigation.
The FEI condemns any conduct contrary to the welfare of horses and has robust rules in place to address such behaviour. Our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of equine welfare and sportsmanship remains unwavering.
The FEI acknowledges the cooperation of Charlotte Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage with the ongoing investigation and intends to proceed as swiftly as possible.
“We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
“Charlotte 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.”
To maintain the integrity of the investigation, the FEI will refrain from making further comments on this matter until the process is concluded.
