The International Dressage Riders Club has refused to accept the resignation of international rider Isabell Werth.
Top German dressage rider Isabell, who won double gold at the 2008 Olympics, was suspended from competition last month by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) after a banned drug was found in her horse Whisper.
Whisper tested positive for the sedative fluphenazine at CDI Wiesbaden on 30 May.
On 1 July, Isabell emailed the board of the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) informing them of her intention to stand down from the board and also to resign as a member.
But IDRC president Margit Otto-Crepin has refused to accept the resignation.
In a letter, she wrote: “While we understand and appreciate your concern that the IDRC will be negatively affected by the fact that you are subject to an ongoing investigation by the FEI for use of a banned substance, we wish to advise you that we cannot accept your resignation.
“You have always been a dedicated, committed and professional member of our organisation and we would like to continue our mutually beneficial association with you.”
Ms Otto-Crepin added that the International Dressage Riders Club has “complete faith” that Isabell Werth will be vindicated and cleared of any intentional wrongdoing.
“We wish to offer you our wholehearted support,” she said.
