There are a lot of talented women in London. They are ambitious, intelligent, erudite, inspired, creative, curious and athletic. Sport is part of life for most of them. Some enjoy a morning run along the beautiful Thames, while others conquer the world at the Olympic Games. The British rider Charlotte Dujardin is one of them. She certainly knows the taste of a victory. How much effort does this sport require? Is it difficult for Charlotte Dujardin to combine professional sports with writing? Why is she famous all over the world and what is the secret of her success? Learn more at londonka.
A career that began in childhood
Charlotte Dujardin was born in London on July 13, 1985. However, she spent her childhood in a small market town in Bedfordshire. There, she developed her love for horses. The girl started riding when she was only two years old. She often helped bring horses home from the ring. At the age of three, she managed to take second place in the Pony Club competition. The mother shared Charlotte and her sisters’ interests. She often rented and bought ponies for her daughters. The future famous rider had a very exciting childhood and often spent time outdoors with horses.
The first serious victories
The girl knew a lot about horses and the peculiarities of their behaviour, as she spent a lot of time with them. Charlotte Dujardin decided to leave school at the age of 16 and devote herself completely to sports. Then she won the All England Jumping Course three times and the Horse of the Year Show four times. Having received an inheritance from her grandmother, she bought a gorgeous horse. In 2007, the Olympic champion Carl Hester noticed this talented rider. He offered Charlotte a job as a groom in his own yard and training. In 2011, Carl Hester entrusted Charlotte Dujardin to train the Dutch Warmblood gelding Valegro for him. However, in the same year, she took part in competitions on this horse. Later, such a tandem won gold at the European Dressage Championship in Rotterdam. It was followed by a victory at the FEI World Cup competition.
Further career
Photo source: Alchetron
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro have become a great team. The further career of the rider was connected with that very horse. In 2012, they managed to win the World Cup freestyle event. Then they were selected to represent Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics. In the first round, they set a new Olympic record. On August 7, 2012, Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro achieved success again. They were a part of the team that won gold, and a few days later, they managed to win the individual dressage. In 2015, the rider got the fourth consecutive title of world champion. In April of that year, she won the FEI World Cup in Las Vegas. 2016 was also a successful year. Then Charlotte and Valegro won gold at the Rio Olympics. For some time, the athlete with her three gold and one silver medal remained the most successful British rider in the history of the Olympic Games. However, in December 2016, Charlotte Dujardin announced the end of her sports career. At that time, the horse was 14 years old and his last performance was dedicated to Carl Hester. In general, Charlotte can boast of many other awards. She is also engaged in writing. One of her most interesting works is her autobiography, which was published in 2018.