Carl Hester Supports Charlotte Dujardin After Horse Whipping Incident

Charlotte Dujardin, a celebrated equestrian and six-time Olympic medalist, has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Paris Olympics following the release of a controversial video showing her whipping a horse during training. The incident has sparked outrage within the equestrian community and raised questions about horse welfare in the sport. Dujardin's mentor, the esteemed dressage figure Carl Hester, expressed his shock at the video's emergence, stating that he was unaware of its existence and that it was not filmed on his property. Hester, who has been a pivotal figure in Dujardin's career since 2007, emphasized that he has never witnessed such behavior in their years of collaboration. He defended Dujardin, suggesting that she deserves forgiveness and highlighting the support she has from those around her. Despite the controversy, Hester remains proud of the high standards of horse welfare maintained at their training yard. The fallout from the video has not only impacted Dujardin's Olympic aspirations but has also cast a shadow over the future of dressage in the Olympic program. Hester noted that such incidents are rare in the UK and stressed the importance of showcasing the positive aspects of the sport. As the equestrian community grapples with the implications of this incident, Hester remains focused on the team and the potential of Dujardin's horse in competition, acknowledging the difficult circumstances they now face.