Charlotte Dujardin is famous and known as one of the most talented dressage riders in the world. She became famous when her and her horse Valegro started winning every single class they entered. Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro won everything you could win in the dressage world throughout the geldings career.
Charlotte Background
Charlotte Dujardin was born in Enfield England in 1985. She started riding when she was 2 years old. She spent most of her childhood in Leighton Buzzard and left school when she was 16 years old. Her dressage riding career took off early and she won the famous English Horse of The Year 4 times.
How She Found Carl Hester
Carl and Charlotte met when Charlotte started working for him in 2007.
She worked at his yard and he started coaching her in her riding.
Why Did She Start Riding Valegro
Back in 2011, the current owners of Valegro (Roly Luard & Carl Hester) approached Charlotte with the offer to train and the gelding and then for Carl to take over and compete him. However Charlotte started seeing success with Valegro straight away, and they won the FEI world Cup at London Olympia the same year.
What Is Valegro Doing Today (in 2018)?
Valegro retired in December 2016. He is enjoying his retirement in a paddock and still gets lots of attention from visitors etc that wants to get a peak of this beautiful horse in real life.
What is Next for Charlotte?
Charlotte Dujardin is still competing very actively, and has got a very promising upcoming mare at the moment, 'that reminds her of Valegro'.
"All Horses Can Be Trained For Grand Prix"
Charlotte says that all horses can be trained for grand prix dressage, and she makes the following comments:
1) Trust your feeling
2) She looks for a good walk and canter
3) Motivate the horse to move forward
4) Find Balance and ask the horse to carry himself
5) Don't allow it to hang in your hand
6) Large horses need more time
7) Quick reactions
8) Work towards straightness
9) Don't forget to work the horse in walk
10) Make sure you stretch the horse
11) Stallion's are challenging...