Triple Olympic dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin described feeling 'very emotional' after receiving a warm reception from the crowd during her highest-profile competition since returning from a one-year ban. The British star was competing at the Dressage World Cup, part of the London International Horse Show at the Excel Centre.
A Warm Welcome Back to the Arena
Competing on the horse 'Alive and Kicking', nicknamed Audrey, Dujardin was applauded by spectators as she entered the arena for the Grand Prix test. After her performance, which placed her second at the end of the opening day, she waved to the crowd. Dujardin reflected that the support was a 'real buzz' and marked a special return to top-level sport.
'Just going back in that arena, there is something so special about riding here,' Dujardin said. 'Going around the edge and having so many people shout “go on Charlotte”, it was very emotional. It was so good, it gave me a real buzz to be back.'
The Shadow of the Ban and the Road to London
The appearance followed a turbulent period for the rider. Dujardin's one-year ban, imposed by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), ended in July. The sanction was for 'engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare' after a video emerged showing her excessively whipping a horse during a coaching session four years prior.
The footage surfaced just before the Paris Olympics, leading Dujardin to admit to an 'error of judgement', issue an apology, and withdraw from the Games. She was subsequently dropped by sponsors and a major equine welfare charity. In a statement last December accepting the ban, she called it 'one of the darkest and most difficult periods of my life.'
Since the ban expired, Dujardin made a competitive return in Cirencester in July, won an event in Le Mans in October, and was a runner-up in Kronenberg. These results helped her qualify for the London World Cup, her most significant event since the suspension.
Setting the Standard on Her Return
Any concerns about her reception were dispelled when she was introduced to the Excel Centre crowd with a rundown of her career achievements, receiving applause. Commentators noted her 'huge reception and warm welcome.' Riding the inexperienced Alive and Kicking, which she co-owns with Carl Hester and Ulrike Bachinger, Dujardin scored 76.544%, initially leading the field.
'I am absolutely overwhelmed,' Dujardin said of her horse's performance. 'Audrey has done one show this year... she has never been in an atmosphere this big... it was a really big ask coming here.' Her score was later surpassed by compatriot Charlotte Fry, who scored 80.783% to lead.
After her test, Dujardin was greeted by her two young children. The freestyle element of the competition was set for Friday. The event marks a pivotal step in the comeback of Britain's joint most decorated female Olympian, who has vowed to 'forever aim to do better.'
