On Tuesday afternoon, during the first day of Grand Prix qualifier competition for the team and individual finals, seven-time Olympian Carl Hester and his horse Fame proved they had come to Paris to play. The pair delivered a solid test, earning a score of 77.345% toward their team’s qualification. While they narrowly missed out on direct qualification for the Grand Prix Freestyle individual final by 0.419%, Hester’s performance certainly set the bar high for the competition.
Following the competition, Hester found himself in the midst of a media storm when questions about his performance quickly shifted to a video featuring his former groom/rider and six-time Olympic medalist, Charlotte Dujardin. Dujardin is currently suspended pending an abuse investigation by the FEI, and the video in question was filmed at a private stable, not owned by Hester.
During interviews with the press, Hester addressed the situation with grace and professionalism. He expressed his shock at the video’s existence and emphasized that Dujardin had issued a statement and apologized for the incident. Hester made it clear that he would not comment further on the matter, as it was now under investigation by the FEI.
Despite the media’s attempts to focus solely on the controversy, Hester steered the conversation towards the importance of horse welfare in dressage. He highlighted the transparency in his own yard, where he offers daily training to students from around the world. Hester stressed that videos like the one involving Dujardin were not common in his experience in the U.K., but acknowledged the need for change in the sport, as advocated by riders like Isabell Werth.
Throughout the interviews, Hester maintained a sense of humor and composure, even joking about his appearance and the toll the media storm had taken on him. He emphasized the importance of focusing on his team and the competition, while also expressing his support for Dujardin during this challenging time.
In closing, Hester reflected on the impact of the situation not just on Dujardin, but on the entire horse world. He emphasized the need to prioritize the well-being of the horses above all else and expressed hope that this event would serve as a lesson for everyone involved in the sport.
Overall, Carl Hester’s handling of the media scrutiny surrounding the video involving Charlotte Dujardin showcased his professionalism and dedication to the sport of dressage. Despite the challenging circumstances, Hester remained focused on his team and the competition, while also advocating for positive change in the industry.
