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WHISTLEBLOWER TWIST
Woman at centre of Charlotte Dujardin vid leak UNMASKED as dressage trainer Alicia Dickinson
Watch the shocking horse-whipping clip that sparked the scandal above
A DRESSAGE trainer was last night named as one of three key witnesses to Charlotte Dujardin’s horse whipping horror.
Alicia Dickinson was identified by equestrian sources and online as being in the barn when the incident - which has destroyed Dujardin's hope of becoming Britain's most decorated Olympian - took place.
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Ms Dickinson, an Australian who lives in London with her husband and daughter, 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.
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"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."
The footage, allegedly filmed at a training yard around four years ago, shows Dujardin following a horse around, lashing at its legs 24 times in a minute.
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A voice in the background can be heard laughing as Dujardin strikes the animal with the lunging whip.
The video was given to Dutch equestrian lawyer Stephan Wensing who released the bombshell evidence on Monday - forcing Dujardin to quit the Olympics in disgrace.
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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.
And last night her lawyer confirmed to The Sun that she was there.
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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.
But it is unknown who gave the footage to Mr Wensing before he passed it on to the sport's governing body, the FEI, on Monday.
Mr Wensing told The Sun yesterday that his client "felt sorry" for Dujardin but said the abuse was "wrong" and wanted to stop it.
Charlotte has many enemies. It could have been anyone but I got the backlash.
Alicia Dickinson
He said: "I need to protect the name of my client. My client is so afraid of the witch hunt.
"All this talk about the timing is victim-blaming. It's ridiculous.
"The timing is not relevant, it's just victim-blaming. Victims do not choose the timing in a criminal case.
"It's no different with this case. My client actually feels very sorry for Charlotte Dujardin - but she did not pick the timing.
"If she had wanted to inflict the worst damage on Charlotte Dujardin, she'd have done it during or after the Olympics.
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 she was not trying to damage the British team's chances. They have a good team even without Charlotte Dujardin.
"My client saw Dujardin abusing a horse several other times. Charlotte told her, 'This is how we do it, this is how we train the horses'.
"At first my client thought, 'Oh, she's an Olympian, who am I to question her?'
"But she knew it was wrong and wanted to stop it. Dressage people warned her, 'They'll come for you'.
"They said that Charlotte Dujardin was a dressage superstar and that my client's life would end.
"My client only felt able to speak out when she saw that two other Olympic riders had been suspended this year.
"They were also suspended for abusing horses so my client felt she could finally fight for animal rights.
"She came forward last weekend and I submitted her complaint to the FEI on Monday."
Dujardin, who was in the running to be a flag bearer in today's Olympic opening ceremony in Paris, has been provisionally suspended for six months by the FEI while an investigation is carried out.
The 39-year-old has been laying low at her £750,000 detached home near Newent, Gloucestershire.
The house - which she shares with partner Dean Golding and one-year-old daughter Isabella - is just a few miles from multi-medal winning Olympian Carl Hester's training yard where Dujardin works.
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.”
Dujardin has been stripped of her funding and her chances of getting a Damehood have gone up in smoke following the scandal.
She has also been axed as an ambassador by horse welfare charity Brooke.
She would have become Britain's most successful female Olympian if she had won a medal at the Paris Games next week.
The Enfield-born competitor would also have been all-but-certain to be handed a Damehood in the King's New Year's Honours List.
But Whitehall sources said any such honour for Dujardin is now off the table.
And Dujardin's 2017 CBE for services to equestrianism could be reviewed by the Honours committee.
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Yesterday UK Sport said her funding has been suspended pending the conclusion of the FEI probe.
A spokesperson said: "We expect all staff and athletes in Olympic and Paralympic sport to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour, ethics and integrity."
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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.
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