As expected double Olympic champion, world record holder, world cup champion and World and European Champion Valegro will be officially retired from competition in a special farewell ceremony at the 2016 CDI-W London Olympia Horse Show on 13 - 19 December 2016.
Valegro's retirement after the 2016 Olympic Games was already announced a year ago and although Dujardin told in press conferences in Rio that she would sit together with Carl to discuss the details of the retirement, the expected scenario has now been officially confirmed by co-owner Carl Hester at the 2016 British Dressage Championships
"We have decided that Valegro will retire from competition at Olympia this year,” Carl told Horse and Hound. “The old, energetic Valegro is back and this is how we want people to remember him. Charlotte doesn’t need to be judged on him again. They have nothing more to prove.”
The 14-year old Dutch warmblood gelding Valegro (by Negro x Gershwin) is owned by Carl and Roly Luard.
Valegro's retirement from sport does not mean that horse will no longer be presented in public. He will continue to be shown in a select number of demonstrations and exhibitions, starting with a demo ride on 24 September the 2016 CDI New York. Dujardin will probably have to share the reins with Carl who has disclosed that he might ride the horse on some occasions.
"Charlotte was busy here [at the British championships at Stoneleigh] so I rode him yesterday and had a lovely time,” said Carl. “If Charlotte’s OK with it, then I might ride him [at events] sometimes in future."
Source: Horse and Hound - Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro Do the Samba and Win Second Individual Gold at 2016 Olympic Games
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro To Give Freestyle Demo at 2016 CDI New York