The double individual Olympic dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin says she “fully respects” the International Federation for Equestrian Sports’ decision to suspend her for one year following a horse whipping controversy.

Dujardin was provisionally suspended by the FEI on 23 July as it launched an investigation into a video from four years ago showing her making what she described as “an error of judgment” during a coaching session.

In a statement following the announcement of the FEI sanction, Dujardin said: “I fully respect the verdict issued by the FEI, released today. As the federation has recognised, my actions in the video do not reflect who I am and I can only apologise again. I understand the responsibility that comes with my position in the sport, and I will forever aim to do better.

“This has undoubtedly been one of the darkest and most difficult periods of my life, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me during this time. To those of you who have sent messages, emails and tried to reach me to check in on how I am – thank you. Every kind word truly has made a difference, more than you’ll ever know.”

Dujardin was forced to withdraw from the Olympics after the footage from four years ago emerged. Referring to a video of a coaching session, she said what happened was “completely out of character” and “does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils”.

Dujardin was provisionally suspended by the FEI on 23 July as it launched an investigation into the video showing her making what she described as “an error of judgment” during a coaching session.

The video showed Dujardin hitting a student’s horse repeatedly with a whip from the ground. Her behaviour sparked widespread condemnation. The complaint was made to the FEI by the Dutch equine lawyer Stephan Wensing on behalf of an unnamed client.

Dujardin is now sidelined from all competition until July next year, with the suspension backdated to 23 July of this year. The PA Media news agency understands that she will not appeal.

In a statement, the FEI said: “The FEI has suspended British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin for one year and imposed a fine of CHF 10,000 (£8881), effectively concluding the disciplinary proceedings against her.

“Dujardin has been provisionally suspended since 23 July 2024 for engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. The time served during her provisional suspension will be credited towards the one-year suspension.

“During her suspension, Dujardin is prohibited from participating in all activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or of a National Federation.

“British Equestrian and British Dressage have reciprocated the suspension, resulting in Dujardin’s ineligibility to compete in any national competition or training events during this period.”

Dujardin, who has won six Olympic medals including individual gold in 2012 and 2016, was ditched by sponsors and dropped as an ambassador by the global horse welfare charity Brooke and the London International Horse Show. UK Sport, meanwhile, suspended Dujardin’s eligibility to receive public funding.

The 39-year-old could have become Britain’s most decorated female Olympian in Paris. A medal of any colour would have taken her clear of the cyclist Dame Laura Kenny, with whom she is currently tied.

Dujardin rose to prominence with individual and team golds at London 2012 while riding Valegro – to a soundtrack that included Land of Hope and Glory. The duo retained the former title and won silver in the latter at Rio 2016.