Charlotte Dujardin, Olympic dressage champion, has withdrawn from the 2026 World Cup Finals in Fort Worth amid controversy sparked by a video from the Amsterdam event showing signs of distress in her horse, Alive and Kicking. The footage intensified scrutiny of her training methods and equine welfare, coinciding with her recent regaining of full ownership of the horse after previously selling a half-share. This situation has raised questions about the stability and management of her stable.

The British Equestrian Federation supports Dujardin’s withdrawal, emphasizing privacy and denying any formal investigation, though the timing has fueled public speculation. The incident highlights broader concerns within dressage about animal welfare standards and the need for greater transparency and governance to maintain public trust and the sport’s integrity.