The Olympic, World and European champions Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro have had a calm winter. The golden duo did not go out for any Worldcup dressage competitions but was instead preparing at home to make sure they can come back with a bang, because the team has set there eyes on more golden medals at this years Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Valegro will be ridden by Charlotte Dujardin in three shows beginning in April as preparation towards this summer’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, according to a tentative plan that Carl Hester revealed to Dressage News in Wellington.
In addition to Charlotte and Valegro in which he is a part-owner as well as coach, Carl will ride Nip Tuck in Rio and could end up running show for the entire British team with Fiona Bigwood on Atterupgaards Orthilia being the likely third combination and another of his students the possible fourth pair.
“Valegro is amazing, he looks nine years old. We had him in really light work with no schooling at all for six weeks after the Europeans last summer. And right now he is clipped out, fresh and happy… looking great, ready to go.” Carl said of the 14-year-old KWPN gelding looking to win their second Olympic individual gold medal. Carl said no decision had yet been made on the competitions to prepare for the Games, but Valegro travels well. However, he said the final show in the schedule would be Rotterdam June 22-26, a premier Nations Cup event.
Charlotte will not ride Valegro in Gothenburg, Sweden in March to defend her World Cup titles won in 2014 and 2015 but instead compete Uthopia that she has ridden in two qualifiers this winter season as required by the rules.
“It will be a nice change, not having the pressure of being expected to win all the time. It’s a nicer situation for Charlotte.” Hester added.
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Charlotte Dujardin and Uthopia in action during the Worldcup in Amsterdam this Januari[/caption]
