Charlotte Dujardin has withdrawn from competing at the 2026 World Cup Finals in Fort Worth, Texas.
Dujardin had obtained an “extra starting place,” allocated based on FEI rules, not a “wild card”. A second extra starting place opened up when title defender Charlotte Fry withdrew. This was then given to Yessin Rahmouni.
Dujardin’s Performances on Alive and Kicking
Dujardin competed with her own 12-year old Westfalian mare, Alive and Kicking, on the World Cup circuit. At the CDI-W London, they finished fifth in the freestyle with 79.230%. At the CDI-W Amsterdam they were 6th with 79.955%.
In 2024 Dujardin sold a half ownership share in Alive and Kicking to Austrian Ulrike Bachinger. However, at the start of March 2026, she is listed as the 100% owner of the mare in the FEI database.
British Equestrian’s Stance on the Withdrawal
Eurodressage inquired with the British Equestrian Federation about the reasons for Dujardin’s withdrawal. The head of communications replied that they “fully support and respect the privacy of Charlotte’s decision.”
When asked if her withdrawal was related to an article in The Times titled “Charlotte Dujardin’s treatment of horses under spotlight again”, British Equestrian replied negatively.
The article was based on a warm-up video taken in Amsterdam. Animal welfarists alleged that Alive and Kicking showed “clear signs of tension and conflict behaviour,” which came only half a year after Dujardin returned from suspension for animal abuse. The Times, Daily Mail and other media outlets reported on the topic.
No Investigation Underway
British Equestrian stated that Dujardin’s withdrawal from the World Cup Finals “is unrelated to the Amsterdam video and there is no investigation taking place.”
Dujardin will not be flying Alive and Kicking to Fort Worth for the 2026 World Cup Finals.