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Charlotte DujardinBritish horsewoman
Date of Birth: 13.07.1985
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Charlotte Dujardin - A British Equestrian
- Training with Judy Harvey and Carl Hester
- Success in Dressage
- Olympic Success and Current Life
Charlotte Dujardin - A British Equestrian
Early Life and TrainingCharlotte Dujardin is a British equestrian who competes at the Olympic level in dressage. She was born in Enfield and trained in Newent, Gloucestershire. Dujardin left school at the age of 16, as she believed that it wouldn't provide her with the necessary skills for her equestrian career. From a young age, Dujardin was passionate about horses and started with ponies before transitioning to more serious horses. She has achieved four victories at the 'Horse of the Year Show' and won three times in Hickstead.
Training with Judy Harvey and Carl Hester
After her first victory, Dujardin worked with dressage rider Judy Harvey for four years. In 2007, her mother advised her to meet with Carl Hester, one of the country's top trainers. Initially planning to spend only ten days at Hester's ranch, Dujardin ended up extending her stay in Newent. Under Hester's guidance, Dujardin honed her natural abilities and became one of the best equestrians in the country and the world.
Success in Dressage
In 2011, Dujardin participated in her first major dressage competition. She was part of the team that won the European Dressage Championship in Rotterdam. Later, Dujardin herself won the FEI World Cup. In April 2012, Dujardin set a world record for Olympic Grand Prix with her ten-year-old gelding, Valegro, achieving a score of 88.022%. With her impressive results and previous achievements, Dujardin earned a spot on the British Olympic team, representing her country in dressage.
Olympic Success and Current Life
Dressage at the Olympic level was historically challenging for Great Britain, with teams never surpassing sixth place. However, Dujardin, along with Laura Bechtolsheimer, changed the game. The British team achieved an average score of 79.97%, outperforming the traditionally dominant Germans, who scored 78.21%. The Netherlands secured the third position with 77.12%.
Currently, Dujardin resides in a small cottage on Hester's estate with her fiancé, Dean Golding, and their boxer, Winnie. Dujardin maintains an intense training schedule, spending at least six hours a day practicing. Her bond with Valegro, who she was introduced to by Hester, is described by commentators as almost telepathic. Dujardin's successful performance at the Olympics remains her most impressive sporting achievement to date, but she shows no signs of slowing down and has no plans to decrease her training intensity.
