In the midst of the recent scandal involving British dressage star Charlotte Dujardin, Dutch lawyer Stephan Wensing has found himself at the center of attention.
Known for his role in exposing a controversial video of Dujardin, Wensing’s own social media posts are now stirring up debate.
Wensing initially gained notoriety after releasing a video showing Dujardin repeatedly hitting a horse, which led to her withdrawing from the Olympics and facing a provisional six-month ban.
He has since come under scrutiny, especially after photos surfaced showing him with mules and holding a whip.
These images have been widely shared on social media, sparking mixed reactions.
Some social media users have taken Wensing to task, with comments like those from Julie Kemp, who pointed out the irony of Wensing condemning Dujardin while holding a whip himself.
Others, like Tammi Jones, suggested that everyone involved is hypocritical, and there were numerous reactions questioning the authenticity of the situation.
Support for Wensing
On the other hand, many defended Wensing, arguing that using a whip in equestrian training is standard practice.
They pointed out that there’s a significant difference between using a whip as a training tool and abusing an animal.
Comments from horse enthusiasts like Megan Mckeary and Alex Geudon emphasized that Wensing’s actions with the whip were within acceptable bounds, contrasting sharply with Dujardin’s behavior.
Wensing’s Defense
Wensing has responded to the criticism by labeling it as “witch hunting and victim blaming.” He explained that his experience with mules involved training without whipping, stating that he never used a whip on animals.
Instead, he believed in using the whip as a visual aid rather than a means of punishment.
The Timing and Motives Behind the Video
The release of the video just days before Dujardin was set to make history as Britain’s most decorated female athlete has raised questions about the timing and motives behind it.
Another Dutch lawyer, Luc Schelstraete, who appears to be a rival of Wensing, has suggested that the delay in raising the alarm could affect the case’s validity. He questioned whether the real motive was to prevent Dujardin from winning medals, rather than addressing animal cruelty.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Wensing and Dujardin continues to unfold, with ongoing debates about the ethics of equestrian training and the implications of this scandal for all parties involved.