Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin have decided to withdraw Valegro from competing in the Central Park Horse Show, a dressage exhibition/competition not sactioned by the FEI, but with a purse of $75,000 for the freestyle.
The 2015 Central Park Horse Show will be hosting the U.S. Open $75,000 Dressage Freestyle class for the second time and Dujardin and Valegro were scheduled to appear as top act in New York City's Central Park.
However, the 13-year old Dutch warmblood gelding Valegro (by Negro x Gerschwin) will get a longer period of rest after the 2015 European Dressage Championship then initially announced.
"'Blueberry' is an amazing once-in-a-lifetime horse, and Carl [Hester] and I just want to ensure he gets a well-deserved rest after an intense and successful championship last month, as his health and happiness is our No. 1 priority," Dujardin told The Chronicle of the Horse. "My fans are very important to me though, and I am still very keen to be a part of this incredible show in New York City in such a beautiful setting. I am really looking forward to engaging with my fans and deliver a fun and unique experience for them."
U.S. Team trainer Robert Dover will be providing Dujardin with a loaner horse on which she will perform her renowned "How to Train Your Dragon" freestyle. The name of the horse will be announced next week
Photo © Astrid Appels
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