From the Editor WELCOME TO THE SIXTH ISSUE OF THE DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN Valegromania ruled during December with the media coverage of his pending retirement leading us to Olympia and an emotional but spectacular retirement ceremony for a spectacular team. There has been something extra special about this team. The whole package of print media and television allowed us into their homes and hearts to share their journey. They showed us that a performance based around harmony can and should be the winner. The biggest winner of all was Dressage. It is rare to see a horse (or Prime Minister) retiring at the top of their game. The respect and devotion shown for Valegro only increases our respect for the team behind him. My January editorial is therefore a tribute to team Valegro. Their story highlights the importance of team work at all levels. We all have our own team even if sometimes we think it is just us on our own with our horse. There is always a friend, family member or another rider you can talk things through with. They may not totally understand the issues but sometimes just talking them through can turn on the light. And of course don’t forget your coach. Talking things through outside of the lesson situation is invaluable. Make a plan. Identify your team and treasure them. Valegro Individual Record Since 19 March 2011, Valegro and Charlotte have 67 results recorded on the FEI database. The first record was from Vidauban in France where they scored 73.723 in the Grand Prix. They went on to win 54 of their 67 starts in FEI competition. Their final test was the Freestyle at Rio de Janeiro for 93.857 Olympic Games - Gold Medal 2012 London & 2016 Rio de Janeiro. World Equestrian Games - Winner 2014 Caen Grand Prix, Grand Special & Freestyle. European Dressage Championships - Winner 2013 Herning Grand Prix, Grand Special & Freestyle. Winner 2015 Aachen Grand Prix, Grand Special & Freestyle. FEI World Cup Dressage - Winner 2014 Lyon & 2015 Las Vegas World Records - Grand Prix (87.46%, Olympia 2014), Grand Prix Special (88.022%, Hagen CDI4* 2012), Grand Prix Freestyle (94.3%, Olympia CDI-W 2014) Thank You Team Valegro Valegro - Charlotte - Carl (Trainer/Owner) Alan (Groom) - Rowena Luard & Ann Barrott (Owners) Wishing you all a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Start planning and chasing your 2017 goals now.
Cover Image: Olympia horse of the year show 2016 Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin. Photo Credit: Liz Gregg Back Page: Dujardin Charlotte, GBR, Valegro Olympic Games Rio 2016 Photo Credit: Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans
Wendy. Editor: Wendy Hamerton Email: dressage@nzequestrian.org.nz Design and Production: www.snaffledesign.co.nz Graphic Design: Sarah Gray Email: sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz Sales & Advertising: Jeremy Gardiner Email: jeremy@snaffledesign.co.nz Copyright Š Snaffle Design and Dressage NZ 2017
2 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JANUARY 2017