‘One of many darkest occasions of my life’: Charlotte Dujardin thanks supporters – and confirms being pregnant

Charlotte Dujardin has thanked all those that have supported her throughout “one of many darkest and most tough intervals of my life” – and introduced that she is anticipating her second little one.

The FEI this morning (5 December) introduced the conclusion of its investigation into the coaching video of Charlotte that emerged earlier than the Olympics this summer time. Charlotte has now made an announcement in response.

“I absolutely respect the decision issued by the FEI,” she mentioned.

“Because the federation has recognised, my actions within the video don’t replicate who I’m and I can solely apologise once more. I perceive the duty that comes with my place within the sport, and I’ll for ever intention to do higher.”

The FEI has fined Charlotte and suspended her for a yr, together with the time for which she had been provisionally suspended, and taking into consideration her beforehand clear disciplinary document, and the very fact she had voluntarily withdrawn from the Olympics. The FEI Tribunal panel additionally famous that “the FEI thought-about that the video constituted the one prevalence of horse abuse dedicated by the respondent, in what may be thought-about as an ‘remoted incident’.”

Charlotte mentioned: “This has undoubtedly been one of many darkest and most tough intervals of my life, and I want to take this chance to thank everybody who has supported me throughout this time. To these of you who’ve despatched messages, emails and tried to achieve me to test in on how I’m – thanks. All kinds phrase really has made a distinction, greater than you’ll ever know.

“What I used to be unable to share on the time is that I’m presently pregnant, with my child due in February. This was deliberate properly earlier than the Olympics and one thing my associate Dean and I’ve been enthusiastic about for a very long time.

“In the meanwhile, the power I’ve is targeted on Dean and our daughter Isabella, and we’re all very a lot wanting ahead to the arrival of our new member of the family.”

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Keen about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all features of the business, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of selection is showjumping, by which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals via to worldwide championships.