The Paris Games showcased the world’s best equestrian athletes, delivering a blend of classic elegance and thrilling competition. However, the spectacle was overshadowed by a scandal involving six-time Olympic medalist Charlotte Dujardin, who was barred from the competition due to a video depicting her striking a horse. This incident reignited debates about ethical practices in the sport and raised fears about its future in the Olympics.
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the sport’s governing body, vowed strict enforcement of animal welfare regulations throughout the eventing, showjumping, and dressage competitions held within the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. They sanctioned a Brazilian rider for controversial neck hyperflexion techniques and disqualified horses exhibiting minor bleeding. While evidence of horses suffering from blue tongues due to oxygen deprivation during dressage was uncovered, the FEI opted not to take disciplinary action.
While all riders and officials interviewed by Reuters condemned the violence depicted in the Dujardin video, many expressed respect for her as an exceptional athlete. Carl Hester, a British dressage veteran who mentored Dujardin, stated, “This is not the Charlotte I know.” He emphasized the importance of putting horses first, stating, “It’s going to be a long road for her and a lesson for everybody, really, in the horse world.” Isabell Werth, Germany’s most decorated Olympian, advocated for a cultural shift within the sport, urging everyone to denounce abuse and protect the horses. However, she questioned the timing of the accusations against Dujardin, which surfaced years after the events. Animal activists have renewed their calls for equestrian to be banned from the Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is scheduled to review the list of featured sports after each Games. One senior European equestrian official acknowledged the precarious situation, noting, “We have to be careful, things can happen very fast.” The 2021 Tokyo Olympics witnessed scenes of abuse in a modern pentathlon competition, which ultimately led to the removal of equestrian from the sport’s disciplines after Paris.
Despite the controversy, the riders showcased the best of their sport in the stunning setting of the Palace of Versailles. The cross-country ride through the former hunting grounds of Louis XIV provided some of the Games’ most awe-inspiring imagery. “This is the most incredible arena, the most incredible dancefloor in this world,” declared dressage Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. The competitions attracted notable personalities, including rapper Snoop Dogg, U.S. TV personality Martha Stewart, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Germany solidified its dominance in equestrian, replicating its Tokyo 2021 success by winning the team competition and individual gold and silver in dressage. German riders also claimed individual titles in eventing and showjumping. Showjumpers delivered a thrilling performance, culminating in a jump-off won by Christian Kukuk. The British team, facing intense scrutiny after the Dujardin scandal, secured team gold in both showjumping and eventing. “These horses are looked after unbelievably well. They’re our family, you know,” said Britain’s Scott Brash, adding, “We want equestrianism to stay in the Olympic Games.”
