Three-time Olympic dressage gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin faced a one-year ban and withdrew from the Paris Olympics after a video emerged of her excessively whipping a horse, tarnishing her reputation as the sport’s “poster girl.” Former equestrian journalist Julie Taylor believes Dujardin’s case is just the tip of the iceberg in a sport that has faced controversy over training techniques that may harm the animals. Taylor calls for the removal of equestrian sport from the Olympics, citing concerns about the treatment of horses in the sport.

Controversies in dressage include the use of spurs, tight nosebands, and hyperflexion techniques that may cause pain and injury to horses. Instances of blood on horses, blue tongues, and “joker smiles” have raised concerns about the welfare of horses in the sport. Julie Taylor and photographer Crispin Johannessen have highlighted the mistreatment of horses in equestrian events, calling for changes to protect the well-being of the animals.

The FEI has regulations in place to safeguard horse welfare, including rules on blood, spurs, and whips, with sanctions for non-compliance. While the FEI acknowledges isolated cases of abuse, they emphasize the commitment of the majority to horse welfare. Critics like Taylor argue that the sport has become more extreme for entertainment purposes, leading to practices that may cause horses to suffer. Calls for reform and increased transparency in equestrian sport continue amid ongoing concerns about the treatment of horses in competition.