Valegro, one of the most successful dressage horses in the history of the sport, has said farewell to his competition career in an emotional ceremony after the Kur to Music Finals at the 2016 CDI-W London Olympia Horse Show on Wednesday evening 14 December 2016. In front of a sell out crowd of 7,500 Valegro danced his final dance and bowed out.
The 14-year old Dutch warmblood gelding Valegro (by Negro x Gershwin) is the world record holder in the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Kur to Music. He is the double European Champion (2013, 2015), the World Champion (2014) and the double Olympic Champion (2012, 2016). is the double winner of the World Cup Finals (2014, 2015). Since the spring of 2012 he has always won every class he has been entered in, except for two rides at the 2014 CDIO Aachen (2nd, 6th) and the Grand Prix at the 2016 Olympic Games (2nd). He has recorded 52 international victories at Grand Prix level between 2011 and 2016.
At the emotional farewell ceremony at Olympia, Charlotte rode her London Olympic 2012 British patriotic freestyle one more time after before the World Cup kur to Music took place. After the award ceremony Valegro's co-owners Anne Barrett and Roly Luard were thanked. Carl and Charlotte came back into the arena with groom Alan Davies holding Valegro and they were interviewed briefly. They spoke about their life with this special horse, before Charlotte mounted the horse again for his final rounds of one tempi changes, passage and piaffe pirouettes to Andrea Bocelli's Con Te Partiro before leaving the arena .
In the interview Dujardin was asked what her favourite moment was with Valegro. She replied, "there are so many favourite moments. I can't say I ever had a ride I've been disappointed with," said Dujardin, citing her London Olympic gold as her most memorable victory in her career. "I thank everyone who has supported us through our journey." Carl added that, "It's been one of the best journeys in my life. I've loved every minute of it."
Valegro will not step into the shadow, but will continue to make public appearances in demonstrations and tours. "He loves performing, he loves coming in front of big crowds. I want to retire him at the top of his game. Now we can take all the pressure off and really enjoy ourselves," said Charlotte.
More photos and video footage to come tomorrow...
Photos © Petra Kerschbaum
Related Links
Valegro's Final Waltz at 2016 CDI-W London on Wednesday
Valegro To Be Retired at 2016 CDI-W London Olympia Horse Show
Valegro Draws the Crowds for U.S. Farewell Demonstration at 2016 CDI New York