Charlotte Dujardin, a former Olympic champion, has officially announced her withdrawal from the upcoming 2026 World Cup Finals in Fort Worth, Texas. This decision has stirred considerable discussion within the equestrian community.
Details of the Withdrawal
Dujardin earned an “extra starting place” for the event, a distinction based on the FEI Rules rather than a wild card, as often misreported. According to FEI Rule 16.8.D, the place was awarded to the highest-ranked combination listed on the February FEI Dressage World Ranking List, contingent upon participation in at least two CDI-W qualifiers.
Additionally, when title defender Charlotte Fry withdrew, another extra starting place opened up, which was subsequently given to Moroccan rider Yessin Rahmouni.
Performance History with Alive and Kicking
For the World Cup series, Dujardin competed with her 12-year-old Westfalian mare, Alive and Kicking. Together, they showcased impressive performances in key events:
- 5th place at CDI-W London, scoring 79.230% in freestyle.
- 6th place at CDI-W Amsterdam, with a score of 79.955%.
In 2024, Dujardin sold a half share of Alive and Kicking to Austrian rider Ulrike Bachinger. As of March 2026, she is listed as the 100% owner in the FEI database again.
Response to the Decision
The British Equestrian Federation has affirmed its support for Dujardin’s choice, emphasizing the importance of respecting her privacy. However, inquiries regarding potential connections to recent media scrutiny have arisen.
A high-profile article published in The Times on March 1, 2026, titled “Charlotte Dujardin’s treatment of horses under spotlight again,” has garnered attention. In this context, animal welfare advocates raised concerns regarding a warm-up video filmed in Amsterdam, where Alive and Kicking appeared to exhibit signs of tension and behavioral conflict.
Despite these claims, the British Equestrian Federation stated that her withdrawal is not related to the controversy surrounding the Amsterdam video and asserted that no investigation is currently ongoing.
Looking Forward
The equestrian community will keenly watch how Dujardin’s situation unfolds as preparations for the 2026 World Cup Finals continue without her presence.
