Carl Hester has reiterated that Valegro will enjoy an active life, even after his retirement from competition at this year’s Olympia. “We are retiring him from competition. This doesn't mean we are retiring him from being ridden,” said Carl. “He’s won 10 gold medals, that's a huge amount, and he doesn’t need to be judged anymore. He’s done everything there is to have been done and holds every World record.” Valegro’s rise in the sport has been an integral part of British Dressage’s recent success. A decade ago the British riders were never in medal contention in the dressage, but they have secured a medal at every championship since 2009. But Carl is confident that we can remain competitive as a nation even without the great Valegro. “I don’t want to see it go down now, it’s taken years and years to get there and we’ve stayed up there since 2009,” he said. “However, I don’t think this will happen. At this year’s Olympics with Spencer Wilton and Fiona Bigwood, they’ve got two very good horses and were well placed. They will be in a good position to take the team forward next year. There’s also Laura Tomlinson, and lots of other good riders chewing at the door, and it would be good for them to get that experience.” There are also some ones to watch, waiting in the wings at Hester’s yard. “Charlotte and I have a horse each. I have Delicato and he is pretty fabulous. Charlotte has an amazing mare who has that quality that gives you goosebumps when you watch her.” It’s now just over two months until Valegro will retire at the Olympia horse show. “There are two days of dressage and hopefully he will make an appearance on the Tuesday as well", said Carl. The plan is for Charlotte to perform one of her record-breaking Freestyle routines with Valegro.“I already have my box of Kleenex” Hester says.
