Yesterday the British dressage team for the Olympic Games was announced, of course Charlotte Dujardin could not be missed. She takes Gio (by Apache) as her main contender for a prize.
Dujardin's horse Mount St. John Freestyle is nevertheless a horse with a lot more experience than Gio. However, Dujardin opts for the ten-year-old gelding. She told in an interview with Horse and Hound why she goes for a less experienced horse. "I think the climate in Tokyo will fit better for Gio." says the British. "Gio is younger and I think he can handle the heat better than Freestyle." she continues. Dujardin has already won several victories with the gelding, including several Grand Prix's and with scores above 80%.
"Gio has only ridden one freestyle and only one special in his life. But he is a fantastic horse and I believe he will perform."
Source: Horse & Hound