Charlotte Dujardin has paid a moving tribute to her beloved dressage partner, Valegro, who has passed away at the age of 23. The pair, celebrated for their extraordinary achievements, made history as one of the most successful combinations in British equestrian sport.
Together, Dujardin and Valegro dominated the dressage world, clinching double gold in both the individual and team events at the London 2012 Olympics and securing an additional individual gold at Rio 2016. Their legacy extends beyond the Olympics, with two gold medals from the World Equestrian Games and six from the European Dressage Championships. Valegro stands as the most decorated dressage horse in British history, immortalized by a statue in Newent.
In a poignant Instagram post—the first since her suspension from the sport—Dujardin reflected on her deep bond with Valegro. “I knew of course this day would come, but I don’t think I could ever be ready for it,” she wrote. “A partnership that everyone talks about, but you can’t really know until you’ve experienced it. And we danced Blueberry, didn’t we dance…”
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Dujardin, now 40, was handed a year-long suspension in December 2024 following an investigation related to a video showing her excessively whipping a horse, making her tribute to Valegro all the more significant amid a challenging period.
Valegro’s stablemate, Uthopia, who alongside Carl Hester helped secure Britain’s team gold at the 2012 Olympics, was also recently euthanized at 24 due to health complications. Hester paid his respects to both horses, emphasizing their profound impact on the sport. “Valegro and Uthopia did more than win medals and write history; they gave our sport a golden era,” he said. “They made a nation proud and inspired so many. Allowing them to leave this world together was the final act of loyalty and dignity I felt I could give them.”
Valegro’s passing marks the end of an era for British dressage, but his legacy will continue to inspire riders and fans around the world.