The equestrian neighborhood is remembering Valegro and Uthopia – the much-loved dressage powerhouses who gained followers worldwide.
Following the announcement on 1 December of their passing, there was an outpouring of affection as folks shared glad recollections of what made them so particular.
Valegro’s co-owner Rowena Luard mentioned she was “smitten” at first sight.
“My first glimpse of Valegro was at considered one of his early younger horse reveals. I used to be smitten. Carl requested me if I’d prefer to be a part of Valegro’s future and it was the simplest determination of my life,” she informed H&H.
“He was a small horse however had such presence. I cherished his stunning, elegant face and sort eye. It was once we began doing the reveals with him that you simply noticed our little boy remodel into this elegant powerhouse. It was positively the gang that elevated him. He simply cherished to carry out.”
Rowena mentioned watching Valegro break information was “such a privilege, however nearly simply as satisfying was the impact he had on everybody. He was such a gentleman. So type, so affected person. He was a real equine rockstar,” she mentioned.
“His journey to international stardom was enabled by an outstanding group of individuals from the early days whose onerous work and keenness actually made all of it occur. Chef d’equipe Dickie Waygood and Richard Davidson had been our heroes, as was Will Connell of British Equestrian. The vets and masseuse who travelled with him in all places ensured our athlete was in prime prime form always.
“Haydn Value, the British group farrier, was an enormous assist and with whom I held palms at a lot of the competitions as I used to be so nervous. Alan in fact, our supergroom and tremendous private assistants Claudine and Katie, who dealt with all the logistics and mountains of paperwork. Anne Barrott joined the group as one other co-owner and we so cherished following the worldwide adventures of Staff Valegro. It was unbelievable to witness such a group of consummate professionals working so tirelessly to attain our desires.”
A British Dressage spokesperson mentioned Valegro and Uthopia “go away legacies that may form British dressage for many years to come back”.
Carl and Uthopia.
“Their hoofprints might have pale from the competitors area, however the mark they left on our sport is indelible,” mentioned the spokesperson.
“Although completely different in persona and means of going, Valegro and Uthopia had been united by the rules that introduced them to greatness. Collectively, they introduced our sport to new audiences, reshaped the general public’s understanding of dressage, impressed a technology and demonstrated that excellent efficiency is constructed on kindness and belief.”
British Dressage chief govt Jason Brautigam mentioned it was “these two legends” that led to him being in his function.
“The unbelievable performances of Uthopia and Valegro at London 2012 will reside lengthy within the reminiscence of all equestrian followers. It was such a special day and was transformational for the game in Nice Britain. It was the second that dressage captured the hearts and minds of the general public, and I used to be no exception,” he mentioned.
“It was an absolute privilege to see Valegro win gold once more in Rio. An expertise I’ll personally cherish without end.”
Mr Brautigam added “however most significantly, these two horses redefined dressage”.
“Their stunning, light souls, relaxed temperament, and seemingly easy potential within the area heralded a brand new period. Their fantastic partnerships with Carl and Charlotte showcased one of the best of our sport,” he mentioned.
“As any customer to Carl’s yard would agree, spirits had been at all times lifted by the sight of those two companions having fun with their well-earned retirement within the paddock. Now, they’re sadly now not with us, however we must always take consolation that they remained inseparable to the top.”
Six-time Badminton winner Lucinda Inexperienced was “extremely spoiled” to have a lesson on Valegro.
“I set throughout the diagonal in medium trot and I might hardly sit there – it was such energy,” she informed H&H. “He was an absolute sweetheart to journey, he was such a beautiful individual.”
Lucinda remembers Valegro’s London 2012 freestyle, the place he and Charlotte scored 90.09% for particular person gold.
“The music together with Large Ben was essentially the most placing factor. Valegro held his personal and it was fantastic.”Lucinda mentioned what Carl and Uthopia and Charlotte and Valegro achieved was “phenomenal”.
“The pair of them, they had been simply iconic. And I feel it’s beautiful that they’ve each gone off to fly with the angels collectively.”
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Alan pictured with Valegro.
Credit score: Jon Stroud Media
Carl Hester and Uthopia on the 2011 European Dressage Championships.
Credit score: Alamy Inventory Picture
Credit score: Jess Images
“A defining second”: Carl and Uthopia lead Britain to group gold in Rotterdam 2011.
Credit score: Peter Nixon
Credit score: Future
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H&H senior information author
Since becoming a member of H&H in 2018, Becky has coated a broad vary of equestrian information together with welfare issues, veterinary research, FEI Tribunal hearings and highway security campaigns. She has additionally interviewed prime riders together with Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to call only a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, in addition to the Royal Highland and Blair Fort Worldwide Horse Trials nearer to dwelling. She was additionally a key a part of the distant reporting group for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
