FEI announces provisional suspension of Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin (GBR)

FEI announces provisional suspension of Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin (GBR)

The FEI has officially announced the provisional suspension of British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin (FEI ID: 10028440) 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.

Final selection days for Danish Warmblood young horses towards World Championships in Ermelo

Today and tomorrow with final selection days for Danish Warmblood young horses for World Championships in Ermelo. Today they had to show the preliminary test and tomorrow with final test.

From today´s and also first selection trail which took place at Vallensbæk end of May, H2R will make the teams for Ermelo today, even though the selectors have one more day.

5 year old

Due to a hoof abcess Straight Horse Sun King was not presented today, but as we´ve seen him and Mette Sejbjerg Jensen for the first trail and they will be at the list for tomorrow, they are on H2R list for Ermelo.

Not presented this time (as Frederikke just came back from successful EC for YR) but shown at first trail was Valiant with Frederikke Gram Jacobsen. A really appealing combination with super movements which will be a great representative for Danish Warmblood.

The best of the 5 yr old horses today was Quater Son with Jan Møller Christensen. Three good paces, and for the subsequent repetition of a few exercises for the judges they showed even more let go and postive power.

Lygum´s Zelina and Victoria Vallentin, show a spectacular trot tour, clear walk and good canter. Light an easy movements.

6 year old

New this time live was Grevens Sirius with Eric Guardia Martinez. Well presented in all three gaits and with well established flying changes makes it into the team.

Today´s best combination was Silje Bakken with Lille Kærgårds Sisco, well presented in a good form (at first trail somewhat short neck), well on the aides for the flying changes and good balance through out the entire test. Super relaxation for the walk.

Valerie B with Anne Mette Strandby Hansen had some serious problems at the first trail for the flying changes, and also show a bit of tensions today, but still a lot to like and a very interesting combination for Ermelo.

Danish Warmblood selectors made following announcement after today: “Special situation: Due to the new situation with Charlotte Dujardin, Quinn G rider changes to Fiona Bigwood. Fiona rides the selection on Tuesday evening/Wednesday morning on video (before the 6 year old class and the final selection) and will therefore be considered on an equal terms with the other combinations.”

7 year old

Today´s absolute strongest performances were from Lyngbjergs St. Paris with Victoria Vallentin and Blue Hors Santiano with Nanna Merrald (full videos below). Both with top presentations.

For both Franklin daughters Faretti with Anne Mette Strandby Hansen and Francisca-D some tensions creeping in during their performances.

128 young horses are ready for Pavo Cup semi finals 25 July

25 July with semi finals and 27 July with the Pavo Cup finals

The start lists are online now for the semi finals of 2024 Pavo Cup which also includes more approved top stallions. Link here.

The 20 best horses in 4 yr old and 5 yr old are selected for the final and 12 best 6 yr old horses from the semi finals will be qualified for the finals.

The best 3 horses from each age category will be qualified for the test rider which this year will be Swedish Jessica Lynn Thomas.

The entire event is available to follow at Clipmyhorse.

Be a Guardian: A fundamental reframing of equestrian care

FEI Press Release

With just days remaining until the start of the equestrian competitions at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, the FEI has introduced the Be a Guardianinitiative, which calls upon members of the community to fully commit to their duties as ‘guardians’ of FEI horses.

Be a Guardian is the central message that unites the community around the FEI Action Plan that was developed from the recommendations outlined in the final report of the independent Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission.

Watch! Horse welfare is paramount – Be a Guardian!

Set up in June 2022 in response to growing public concern over animal welfare, the Commission was tasked with addressing societal concerns about the use of horses in sport and creating a blueprint to future-proof equestrian sports. The Commission also provided advice and recommendations to the FEI to ensure equine welfare is safeguarded through ethical, evidence-based policy and practices.

The term 'guardian' marks an evolution in the FEI's narrative of the horse-human partnership, chosen to better represent the human role in caring for horses and to underscore each individual's responsibility for ensuring horse welfare.

“This shift in terminology is not merely symbolic; it signifies a fundamental change in our approach to equine welfare,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos explained.

“Guardianship precedes partnership, and meeting the horse's natural needs — such as sufficient eating time, social interaction, and exercise — cultivates trust, enabling a thriving relationship between horse and human. A partnership emerges when this trust and mutual understanding pave the way for sporting excellence.

“Through the concept of guardianship, our focus shifts to what is best for the horses, recognising them as unique and valuable beings deserving of human protection, trust, and respect. This evolution redefines the human role as that of a 'caretaker,' with a responsibility to ensure a good life for horses.

“How we frame the issue, shapes how we solve it. By embracing the role of ‘guardians’ for horses, we commit to acknowledging their needs, treating them with respect, compassion, and care, reinforcing our duty to these magnificent animals we live, work, and compete with.”

The Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 represent a significant opportunity for the equestrian community to further develop a culture of enhanced respect and ethical treatment within the sport.

With a comprehensive approach to equine welfare, which includes aspects like transport, accommodation, veterinary care, and post-event support, Paris 2024 is clear about what is required to put horse welfare at the core of the sport.

For the first time at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, a position of Equine Welfare Coordinator has been established, with Dr Richard Corde, President of the French League for the Protection of the Horse, appointed to this critical position. He will offer advisory oversight on animal welfare throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games, ensuring all stakeholders adhere strictly to FEI regulations. This new appointment marks a significant advancement in centralising oversight that was previously distributed among stewards, veterinarians, and Ground Jury members.

The FEI, Paris 2024 Organising Committee, and GL Equestrian have worked together to prepare the venue with well-equipped air-conditioned stables, ample outdoor areas, and high-quality footing in the main competition arena, the cross country and all the training arenas, ensuring the comfort and safety of the horses.

Special attention has been given to the seamless and comfortable transportation of horses to and from Versailles. Environmental conditions such as weather, heat, humidity, and air quality are carefully monitored to minimise stress and maximise the horses' well-being.

Stringent health monitoring protocols will be enforced before, during, and after competitions to assess the horses' fitness and maintain their physical and mental health throughout the Olympic Games. A dedicated team of qualified veterinarians and support staff will conduct regular health assessments, promptly addressing any issues that may arise with immediate veterinary care.

Following competitions, meticulous post-event care protocols, including adequate rest periods, will be strictly observed to aid horses in their recovery.

"We cannot prevent every issue, but if we follow these rules and encourage everyone to take responsibility based on our shared values, we can work hard to further improve excellent standards of horse welfare," stated FEI President Ingmar De Vos.

"As we prepare for the Olympic Games, we are eager to display our sport's beauty and our dedication to caring for horses responsibly. Together, we are committed to ensuring that every horse at Paris 2024 receives the care and respect they deserve."

Start lists ready for final Danish selection for WCYH in Ermelo taking place 23 & 24 July

Final Danish selection takes place Tuesday and Wednesday next week 23 & 24 July at Vilhelmsborg. Both days the combinations has to show the final test.

Note from the selection committee:

Due to special circumstances, the following teams are still relevant for the final selection:

Lone Bang Zindorf with Valegro Majlund and Vivianni (6 years). Does not participate in the 2nd selection due to her daughter participating at the EC for ponies. Has ridden 2nd selection for the selection committee.

Frederikke Gram Jacobsen with Valiant (5 years) and Franko Unik (6 years). Does not participate in the 2nd selection due to own participation at the EC for YR. Has ridden 2nd selection for the selection committee at Hovgaard during the Nordic Championship.

Charlotte Dujardin with Quinn G (6 years). Not participating due to departure for the Olympics. Has ridden selection in England.

Nanna Merrald with Blue Hors Santiano (7 years). Participating only on day 1 due to departure for the Olympics.

Common for all above mentioned combinations video has been captured of the rides, so that they can be watched together with the other combinations during the final selection.

Start lists:

5 year old

6 year old

7 year old

PODCAST - Nadja Aaboe Sloth fortæller om rejsen sammen med Favour Gersdorf fra købet som 2 års og nu reserve til OL

Nadja er klar til at debutere sammen med det danske landshold til OL i Paris, hvor hun er reserve sammen med sin 11-årige DV vallak Favour Gersdorf e. Foundation / Leandro, avlet af Inger Marie Andreasen.

H2R besøgte Nadja og Favour igår til en snak om det kommende OL, det at kunne kombinere et civilt job med en international ride karriere, skift af træner fra i mange år at have haft berider Leif Sørensen på sidelinien, til nu at have Rune Willum og meget mere. LYT MED 🎧⬇️

33.500 top price colt by Blue Hors Bondo / Depeche Mode at Westphalian Online Foal Auction

H2R top prices were the 5 above mentioned foals without the auction top price by Blue Hors Bondo.

The top price foal by Blue Hors Bondo, Premium stallion at HANN licensing. Bondo unfortunately never did his performance test he does not fullfil the registration requirements for HB I. The foal therefore receives an animal breeding certificate II.

Here you find the entire list of auction prices.

5 top foals for NRW Online Foal auction with bid up tonight at 7.30 pm

38 dressage foals are at the 83th Westphalian Online Foal auction.

H2R picked 5 top stars for the top prices by For Romance, Bon Courage, Escaneno, V-Power and Escamillo.

Just one month old and look like she will conquer the world - super light footed and supple.

Expressive power girl super feminine.

This combination of dressage and jumping gives the perfect match and from H2R eyes a strong top lines combined with expressive front and strong hind legs.

Again a good combination of suppleness from Escamillo and Zack shortness from Zoom. Here with a very femine filly uphill with super expression.

Suppleness pure with power and format, out of same dam line as this weekends successful Grand Prix horse Facilone with Helen Langehanenberg.

Here you find the entire collection.

Germany makes winning twice as nice at Falsterbo

It was a narrow race for the 2024 FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ title heading into the final leg at Falsterbo (SWE), with Germany and Denmark separated by just two points. 

But when it came time for the CDIO4* FEI Grand Prix test at the Falsterbo Horse Show, Germany didn't let the Danish get within 10 points of them. It was a convincing victory for the Germans on the day, which secured them a second consecutive series title.

Led by Chef d'Equpe Jonny Hilberath, the trio of Evelyn Eger (Tabledance 3), Helen Langehanenberg (Facilone Frh), and Carina Scholz (Tarantino 5) finished on a total score of 215.261. Denmark finished with a total score of 204.174, followed by The Netherlands (202.478).

"The result is very impressive. As a trainer and team captain, I'm very happy with the performance of my riders and of the horses, and for sure the results," Hilberath said.

"Everybody was riding in top form and with a lot of quality."

-Jonny Hilberath (GER)

Germany was the only team to have all three of its riders score above 70%, and in fact only one rider outside of Germany reached that threshold in the home nation's Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven (SWE), whose 70.000% was not quite enough to push Sweden up the leaderboard from fifth. 

"It wasn't that easy [to select this team], because we had last week at Aachen (GER), and we are in preparation also for [the Olympic Games in] Paris," Hilberath shared. "Carina has been here already, last year with the team, and I was trying to collect riders which I could feature more with younger or newer horses. For example, Helen is riding a new horse, and I thought it was a very good show for her to perform internationally."

Langehanenberg and Facilone Frh finished the class on top with their 73.674%—a personal best for the combination. The 12-year-old was making just his second start at the FEI Grand Prix level.

"I was super happy. I've only been riding him since the beginning of this year, and we have not so many competitions together," Langehanenberg shared."I think the horse has a lot of potential for the future. There's maybe no weak side, but we have to improve and grow together.

"The test today felt like a big step forward. I was super happy, even without seeing the results. It felt great and maybe the beginning of some nice shows together."

-Helen Langehanenberg (GER)

The youngest rider on the team, Eger also brought forward the youngest horse in 11-year-old Tabledance 3. The pair also recorded a personal best score in the Grand Prix with their 70.413%. Scholz, meanwhile performed as strongly as ever with her 17-year-old partner Tarantino 5, who has successfully returned to top-level sport after sitting out nearly two years from international competition between July 2022 and April 2024.

"Carina had a very good ride. The horse is not a spring chicken anymore, and he's very sensitive. He's rather sharp, and she managed so well," Hilberath said. "The horse was doing wonderful, and he had a break. It's so nice to see the horse coming back better into the sport, and [Carina] is such a hard-working rider."

The weather wasn't ideal, either, with significant rainfall impacting the event. The event schedule was moved forward as a result, but competition forged forward in inclement weather.

"We are very grateful that we had such good conditions for the weather. I think the performances of the riders and the horses has been very good today because of [the efforts of the staff at the show] and of the good footing," Hilberath said.

Germany ultimately finished the Nations Cup series how they started it, having also won the opening leg at Wellington (USA) in February, with three different riders. The nation's final point tally from the four events is 42. Denmark and Sweden also replicated their finishes from last season, finishing second (38 points) and third (33), respectively.

18.000 euro top price filly by Blue Hors St. Schufro at Danish Warmblood auction Saturday evening but the foal market in general is bleeding

The great facilities at Blue Hors in Randbøl has recently changed management to the new Randbøl Dressage Academy which also were the hosts for Blue Hors Summer Auction Saturday evening.

As usual the facilities were immaculate and now with Dennis Fisker and his team it definitely look like the Blue Hors spirit will continue.

Top price foal at the auction went for 18.000 euro, where two local buyers were “fighting” for the top filly by Blue Hors St. Schufro / Revolution / Jazz out of a very strong dam line bred by Stutteri Midt-West.

16 foals under the hammer but only 44% sold

The current market at the auctions is very limited with buyers and it is also affected by the prices. From the pedigree the foals at Danish Warmblood auction were very attractive, but from the video presentation it was a bit difficult to find real highlights. All foals showed much better for the auction, but unfortunately only 44% of the foals were actually sold at the auction, and therefore it is even more important to get the right moments and as much as necessary (including walk on hard surface) for the promotion videos so that buyers from all over the world have the best basis for the decision.

Take a look around in Europe

From the big German auctions the trend from last year with significantly lower prices continues this year, together with the higher expences when breeding and raising up foals this means a current true negative curve.

When presenting a foal for an auction it is of course important for the breeders to get a good price, but said that it is also important to inform the breeders about the market, and when leaving an auction without a sale in the current market you might have to keep the foal until 3 yr old. Meaning that the minimum sales prices at the auction certainly has to be adjusted to the current market in order to actually get at sale.

Information to the breeders - no breeders no future for our sport

The most important part in our sport and breeding is the breeders, without breeders no future sport. Therefore the message is: “Keep breeding, maybe a at lower scale knowing that the prices are not attractive at the moment, but the demand for good foals and young horses will always be there.”

Instead of breeding ex 10 mares then just ex pick your 5 best mares, and take a look and ask around what is the demand from the riders. As a breeder you often have a very good “archive” of what your mares producing, or maybe you need new eyes as sparring.

In Denmark young Christian Springborg (CS Equestrian) recently started his own business also including “lets take a look among your mares”, in order to help breeders having new eyes on their stars and not least with unbiased advisory for the future breeding.

What is the future optimum horse for the sport?

For years the flashy power trot foals has been sold for very good prices at the auctions, no matter of the breeding.

It is still the foals with power trot selling at the auctions, but the riders and buyers are also getting more and more aware of what the sport is aiming for in order to produce easy rideable, trainable horses including three good basic gaits.

The goal anno 2025

2025 goal must be to produce a sport horse with light natural contact, good frame, in a relaxed body with natural self carriage for all three gaits and not least with good a temperament which can be managed also by an amateur.

DRF øger gennemsigtigheden for igangværende sager

Nyhed på DRF 9.7.2024

Dansk Ride Forbund har i dag lanceret en ny underside på rideforbund.dk, der giver offentligheden mulighed for at følge med i igangværende og afsluttede disciplinær- og appelsager. Denne nye funktion er et led i forbundets bestræbelser på at skabe bedre transparens og større gennemsigtighed i behandlingsprocessen af sager under appeludvalget og disciplinærudvalget.

Den nye underside vil indeholde de seneste opdateringer om hvert sagsnummer, så det bliver lettere for medlemmer, interessenter og offentligheden at følge med i status på og udvikling af de enkelte sager. Formålet med dette tiltag er at sikre en mere åben og overskuelig proces, der styrker tilliden til forbundets arbejde.

På siden finder du offentliggørelser af udvalgenes afgørelser. Offentliggørelserne følger disse retningslinjer:

  • Afgørelser i sager med personer under 18 år anonymiseres.

  • Afgørelser i sager hvor DRF ikke er part anonymiseres. (F.eks. tvister imellem medlemmer og klubbestyrelser)

  • Afgørelser i sager der sanktioneres med bødestraf anonymiseres.

  • Afgørelser i alle sager hvor der sanktioneres med karantæne offentliggøres – dog anonymiseres disse ved personer under 18 år.

"Vi er glade for at kunne præsentere denne nye underside, som er et vigtigt skridt mod større åbenhed og gennemsigtighed. Det er afgørende for os, at vores medlemmer og alle interesserede har adgang til opdateret og pålidelig information om udvalgenes arbejde med disciplinær- og appelsager," udtaler formand for Dansk Ride Forbund, Dan Boyter.

Den nye underside kan findes på www.rideforbund.dk her, hvor alle interesserede kan følge med i de seneste opdateringer og afslutninger af sager.

Du kan læse mere om appel- og disciplinærudvalgenes opgaver, processer og formål her.

Premliminary program and judging teams ready for World Championships Young Horses and CDI3* in Ermelo

When World Championships for Young Horses comes up from 4 - 8 September

4 year old

Additionally there will also this year be 4 yr old competition with preliminary qualifing test Wednesday open for a total of 40 combinations. 15 best from qualifier will go directly to the final and the rest will go to the small final taking place Thursday. No horses from the small final will qualify for the final taking place Friday for the best 15 from Wednesday´s qualifing round.

Schedule to be found at www.ermeloyh.com

VIDEO - Quinn G & Charlotte Dujardin 6 yr old debut i Hartpury

Quinn G and Charlotte are ready definitely ready for Ermelo

With their first ever performance together after a very short partnership, they show their world class together in Hartpury this weekend.

Danish Warmblooe mare Quinn G is by Quaterhit / Fassbinder, bred by Helene Geervliet, Stutteri G and owned by Fiona Bigwood.

At the same event Charlotte Dujardin was winning the British 5 yr old World Breeding selection trail with Secret Agent scoring a total of 97.000 - 10 for trot, 9 for walk, 10 for canter, 9,5 for submission and 10 for perspective. Secret Agent is by Secret / De Niro, bred by N & F Sievers and owned by Peter Belshaw, Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester.

With both Quinn G and Secret Agent Charlotte Dujardin look ready for her debut at WCYH in Ermelo.

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