Charlotte Dujardin withdraws from Paris Olympics after horse whipping video emerges

Three-time Olympic gold medallist pulls out of Games after footage shows her repeatedly striking horse

Britain's joint-most decorated female Olympian Charlotte Dujardin has pulled out of the Paris Games after a video emerged of her whipping a horse.

The footage, which was obtained by The Sun newspaper, shows Dujardin striking a horse on the leg several times with a whip while riding at a training session in Germany.

Dujardin, who is one of the world's most renowned dressage riders, has since apologized for her actions, saying in a statement that she "deeply regrets" the incident.

"I am truly sorry for my actions and I take full responsibility for them," Dujardin said. "I am committed to treating all horses with the utmost respect and care, and I deeply regret that I fell short of this standard on this occasion."

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has launched an investigation into the incident, and Dujardin has been suspended from all competition pending the outcome of the investigation.

The BEF said in a statement that it "takes the welfare of horses very seriously" and that it "will not tolerate any form of abuse or mistreatment."

Dujardin's withdrawal from the Paris Olympics is a major blow to the British team's hopes of success in dressage.

The 37-year-old is one of the most successful British Olympians of all time, having won three gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal at the Olympic Games.

She was expected to be one of the favorites to win gold in the individual dressage competition in Paris.

Dujardin's withdrawal is also a major disappointment for fans of dressage around the world.

She is one of the most popular and successful riders in the sport, and her absence from the Paris Olympics will be a major loss.