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Fame, Glamourdale, Jagerbomb – and who joins them? British dressage team revealed for World Championships

Oscar Williams — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:07:47 +0000

The British dressage team heading to the 2026 World Championships in Aachen, Germany (11–23 August) has been announced.

The core of the team remains unchanged from last summer’s Europeans and the Paris Olympics before that. Carl Hester returns on Fame – 36 years after appearing at his first World Championships – and is joined by defending double-individual world champions Lottie Fry and Glamourdale, and World Cup winners Becky Moody and Jagerbomb.

Those three combinations were never in doubt – the fourth spot has been the season's real subplot. Over winter, the final place looked to belong to Charlotte Dujardin and Alive And Kicking – until the mare was sold in April, throwing the door wide open.

What followed was a crowded field: national champions Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina were early favourites, with Gareth Hughes and Susan Pape also in the mix. But two names pulled clear.

Fiona Bigwood’s homebred mare Donna Bella announced herself with a Hartpury grand prix win in March, then held her own on a Fontainebleau Nations Cup debut alongside Carl and Lottie.

Charlotte, meanwhile, switched her attentions to Ellie McCarthy’s Brave Heart, and the pair went head-to-head with Fiona and Donna Bella twice: Fiona edged it at Hickstead in May (73.13% to 72.8%), then again at Wellington in June (74.6% to 71.87%), by which point she'd emerged as the clear favourite.

Going into nominated entries, Fiona’s more extensively tested form – four international grands prix to Charlotte’s two – had her average ahead on 72.90% to 72.34%. But Charlotte had one shot left, at Hartpury, the last domestic international before the team was due to be confirmed. She took it: a stunning grand prix and special double, personal bests of 74.8% and 74.7%, that lifted her average to 73.16% – above Fiona’s, with just 0.26 points separating them.

That swing reopened a contest that had looked settled, leaving selectors Judy Harvey, Jenny Ward and Anne Keen with a genuinely tight call between two relatively inexperienced horses.

In the end, it's Fiona Bigwood and Donna Bella who complete the team. Although Charlotte edged it on the raw grand prix average – the mark selectors weight most heavily – it came from three starts against Fiona’s four, all three on the subdued domestic CDI3* circuit rather than the championship-like atmosphere of Fontainebleau CDIO5*, where Fiona scored 71.36% in the grand prix and 72.28% in the special.

Charlotte’s Hartpury score also carried a notable spread across the judging panel – more than five points between the highest and lowest marks – a factor selectors will have weighed alongside the numbers. But it was likely their head-to-head record – the only occasion the same judges saw both combinations, and one Fiona won twice – that was the deciding factor.

Where Britain stands against the rivals

Set against the field, Britain’s core trio total 232.80 on this season’s international grand prix averages, just 0.67 points off Germany's dressage team projected 233.47 (their best three of Isabell Werth, Katharina Hemmer and Frederic Wandres, with Raphael Netz's score dropped) and 1.80 points clear of reigning champions Denmark’s dressage team 231 (their best three of Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, Carina Cassøe Krüth and Daniel Bachmann Andersen).

That figure hasn't moved with the fourth-spot news – best three of four counts for the team total, and Lottie, Carl and Becky were never in doubt. What Fiona’s selection changes is the insurance policy: a fourth combination capable of stepping into a top-three score if any of the trio falter.

A neat footnote: Donna Bella is out of Atterupgaards Orthilia, Fiona’s former ride on the British team that took silver at both the 2015 Europeans – held in this same Aachen arena – and the Rio Olympics the following year.

The individual medals look just as open. Lottie and Glamourdale are among the favourites, alongside Cathrine and Freestyle, Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus, and home favourites Isabell and Wendy De Fontaine – with Justin and Cathrine perhaps the stronger picks on this year’s form. If any of the favourites falter, Becky and Jagerbomb – fresh off a personal-best 88.33% freestyle in Texas – have the form to make their own tilt at an individual medal.

Most nations have now confirmed their teams ahead of the FEI’s 27 July deadline for definite entries – follow our Aachen dressage teams page as the rest come in.

British dressage team for the 2026 Aachen World Championships

Fiona Bigwood with 10-year-old mare Donna Bella

Owner: rider

Breeder: rider

Breeding: by Don Juan de Hus, out of a mare by Gribaldi

Lottie Fry with 15-year-old stallion Glamourdale

Owners: Van Olst Horses and rider

Breeder: J Rodenburg

Breeding: by Lord Leatherdale, out of a mare by Negro

Carl Hester with 16-year-old stallion Fame

Owners: Fiona Bigwood, Mette Dahl and rider

Breeder: VOF G and M Gerritsen

Breeding: by Bordeaux, out of a mare by Rhodium

Becky Moody with 12-year-old gelding Jagerbomb

Owners: Jo Cooper and rider

Breeder: rider

Breeding: by Dante Weltino, out of a mare by Jazz

Reserves in alphabetical order

Charlotte Dujardin with 12-year-old gelding Brave Heart

Owners: Elllie McCarthy, Spencer McCarthy and Bridget McCarthy

Breeders: Shirley and Titian Wilaras

Breeding: by Bordeaux, out of a mare by Blue Hors Zack

Susan Pape with 15-year-old mare Harmony’s Giulilanta

Owners: Harmony Sporthorses and rider

Breeders: A Vogelaar and J Knol

Breeding: by Jazz, out of a mare by Flemmingh

Sadie Smith with 11-year-old mare Swanmore Dantina

Owner: rider

Breeder: Ben St John James

Breeding: by Dante Weltino, out of a mare by Charatan W

The entries are announced in collaboration with the British Dressage selectors and World Class Programme principal partner Agria.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news in the run up to the 2026 Aachen World Championships, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘I’m meant to be winding down not up!’ Carl Hester makes grand prix debut with thrilling new ride

Martha Terry — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:43:49 +0000

Carl Hester sealed his preparation for this summer’s World Championships with impressive wins on British team stalwart Fame in both the grand prix and freestyle at Wellington CDI.

But the mighty Fame wasn’t the only ace in Carl’s hand. His new ride Monet X made his grand prix debut at nine years old in the premier league – duly winning on 74.09%.

For all that fans of the sport tend to speculate on how much longer Carl might be spearheading the British dressage team, this latest young talent looks set to take Fame’s baton one day.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have two horses like this – two top-quality horses,” said Carl. “It takes me back to the Uthopia–Valegro days. I never thought that would happen again, and now I have Fame and Monet.”

Carl Hester takes on new ride: “It’s incredibly exciting”

Carl was offered the ride on Monet X, a “massive, powerful” black gelding by Guardian S, by Dan Bremner, who produced him up to inter II. The new pair made their competitive debut with an inter B win at Hickstead last month.

“I’m meant to be winding down, not winding up – I’m not gathering horses!” said Carl. “I said to Dan, ‘no promises, but if I fall in love with him, let’s see how it goes’.”

Carl didn’t hold back on the thrill this “hot, presencey” young horse gives him.

“He has a lot of highlights – his half-passes are incredible with the reach he has in those,” he said. “Everyone talks about his hindleg, and he has unbelievable natural activity. He finds all the difficult work very easy in a relaxed situation – a test is slightly different.”

Carl paid tribute to Dan, who worked for him 10 years ago, for how well he has produced the horse, who is co-owned by Susan Singer and bred by Sandra Biddlecombe.

“Dan’s done exactly the right thing and given him time. I’m just putting a bit of icing on it. I didn’t think he was really ready to go out and do the grand prix today, but before you know it six months of the year have already gone, so I thought I’d better have a go and run through it.”

It was an impressive grand prix debut for their second time together down the centre line. Just one mistake in the first canter pirouette blotted a super display.

“What you’re seeing with Monet is a lot of potential – it’s nowhere near the polish I’d want to produce at international level, because I know how good it will be,” said Carl, who is planning one more outing, at Hartpury, this season.

“I can feel the partnership beginning to gel and it’s incredibly exciting looking forward to the next few years.”

Could Carl Hester’s Fame be better than ever?

But the baton is still firmly in Fame’s grip. At Wellington, the 16-year-old stallion produced within 0.2% of his best ever scores in both the grand prix and freestyle, which he posted at the Riesenbeck Europeans in 2023.

Carl Hester and Fame produce their personal best at the Europeans 2023 – and look on almost identical form three years on. (Image credit: Benjamin Clark)

“Fame does feel better than ever,” said Carl. “He keeps going out and winning. He’s done two five-stars this season and come here for a bit of an outing as that’s all he’ll do before the worlds.

“He’s like a fine wine, and so consistent. He tries never to make a mistake. While his canter work and pirouettes are his highlight, it’s his character and temperament that make him what he is. He has the coolest, kindest nature you could wish for in a horse, and he shows that to everybody.”

The pair’s freestyle was particularly remarkable – with exceptional expression and pizzazz despite the drizzle and minimal crowds – to win by nearly 15% on 85.21%.

“It felt amazing, and I don’t ever say that about my performances because I’m always so critical about what I could have done better,” Carl said. “But I hit every note, he was so attentive today. It’s incredible to have a horse able to do something difficult – like our extended canter to double pirouette – and make it look so easy.

“It’s like he’s read the encyclopaedia of dressage and just goes, boom, boom, boom.”

As Fame moves towards veteran status, could he still be on an upward trajectory? We’ve seen it with plenty of top horses – for example, TSF Dalera BB and Mount St John Freestyle both excelling in their late teens.

“The interesting thing is that Fame doesn’t feel any different to when he was 12,” Carl said. “At the prize-giving I gave him a Polo on my right and a Polo on my left, and he can just turn round and grab anything – he’s so young in his body and heart.

“He and I are still realising how much better we can be as we get older. He’s the classic cliche of you never stop learning – and I know I have to be relaxed for him to be relaxed.

“Shows and movements aren’t a problem for him – it’s been getting his head to be [right]. Of all the most difficult things in a grand prix, what gives me the most pleasure is him standing still in prize-giving on a long rein.”

Carl hopes he’s got the balance just right for Aachen.

“He’s done six tests this year and they’ve all been above normal – he loves it,” Carl says. “He’s been so enthusiastic about all of them and I want him to go to the worlds with that same enthusiasm.”

Roll on Aachen – and beyond.

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‘Horses reach young people in a way nothing else does’: Carl Hester backs campaign for new equine therapy centre

Becky Murray — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:26:15 +0000

Carl Hester is supporting a fundraising campaign with charity Strength and Learning Through Horses (SLTH) to build an equine-assisted therapy centre in London.

SLTH supports more than 600 people annually and delivers evidence-based equine-assisted therapy and education programmes for young people aged six to 25, who are struggling with social, emotional or learning challenges.

“I’ve spent my life around horses and I’ve seen first-hand what they can do, not just in sport, but for people,” said Carl, an SLTH ambassador.

“The work being done at SLTH is genuinely important. These are young people who have often been written off elsewhere, and horses reach them in a way nothing else does. Building a proper centre for this work is not just worthwhile, it’s necessary.”

The charity has raised £400,000 to secure and activate the site at Mays Lane, and is now seeking investment to fund the next phase. The new facilities will include a covered arena for year-round therapy and education, classrooms and therapy rooms, fully wheelchair-accessible pathways, 12 stables and hay barn, and upgraded zone for staff.

“We have spent 15 years proving that this model works, and the data backs it up. Young people who have been excluded from school, who won’t walk into a therapy room, who haven’t left the house in years. They come to us, they engage, and they change,” said SLTH chief executive Rosie Bensley.

“The challenge is no longer whether this works. The challenge is capacity. Our current infrastructure is operating at full capacity and demand continues to grow. This build is the next chapter and we’re looking for partners who want to be part of it.”

Supporters can get involved by donating to SLTH’s crowdfunder campaign. The charity is also welcoming sponsors such as companies, trusts and foundations for further development at the site, to include a new outdoor arena and covered outdoor spaces.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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‘It was like a championships’: Britain second in Nations Cup opener as Carl Hester returns to team duty

Oscar Williams — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:44:39 +0000

While the Winter Dressage Championships were in full swing at home, a strong British team finished second in the opening European leg of the FEI Dressage Nations Cup at the inaugural Fontainebleau CDIO5* (16–19 April).

The German squad won, in a competition that went down to the final ride and offered the first meaningful measure of form ahead of the World Championships in Aachen this summer.

The lead changed hands repeatedly between Germany, Britain, and Belgium throughout the grand prix, and all three nations were still in contention going into the anchor rides.

Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus set the bar first, posting a personal best of 83.5% – the individual win of the day, with 10s for their canter pirouette – to secure third for Belgium.

Lottie Fry and Glamourdale followed with a fault-free 80.85%, briefly putting Britain into the lead and leaving Isabell Werth needing 79.15% or better on Queenparks Wendy to deliver for Germany. Isabell found 80.59%, so Germany finished on 230.065 to Britain’s 228.630 and Belgium’s 224.761.

For the British team, Lottie’s second-place individual finish led the way in one of her strongest outings with the now 15-year-old stallion to date.

Carl Hester came fifth with Fiona Bigwood and Mette Dahl’s Fame with 76.15% – his first win since a dominant double at Doha CDI5* in February – and Fiona contributed a 71.63% aboard home-bred mare Donna Bella for 10th. Lewis Carrier’s 67.67% with the veteran Diego V was the drop score.

Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale were second individually as Britain finished second in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup at Fontainebleau. (Image credit: FEI/Evan Oudin)

The grand prix special again went Isabell’s way, but Carl and Fame were second on 77.32% and Fiona and Donna Bella third on 72.28%. Lottie took another runner-up finish in the freestyle with Glamourdale; Justin and Zonik were again unbeatable.

Carl, who had stepped back from Nations Cup duty in recent seasons to free up team spots for younger riders, returned with Sadie Smith and Laura Tomlinson’s up-and-coming horses heading to Hagen CDI4*.

“I always say, look, give those spaces to the kids who want to be on teams,” Carl said. “But they asked me to do it, and it worked out perfectly. The special finished at 11.30am Sunday morning, so I got home in time for dinner!”

The 16-year-old stallion Fame continues to reward the lighter campaign Carl has planned for him this year. “He was amazing in both tests – so good to ride and so up for it,” Carl said. “A really good mix of keenness and relaxation.

“His pirouettes scored really high, his changes scored really high, and I think his outline’s improved again this year. He was just cool. That’s what he was.”

The result in the special was built on a test Carl rated among his best on Fame. “It was mistake-free, full of power. They were very complimentary about him and gave him some very big scores.

“He’s possibly the most incredible horse – I’m running out of nice things to say about him. There’s always something to improve, we know that – but it’s a very good start to the season, and he’s still as fresh as ever.”

He was quick to credit the calibre of the field. “That was the leading group there. The only one really missing is Cathrine [Laudrup-Dufour]. Everyone kept saying it felt like the championships are here now – that’s how strong it was.

“Especially at this time of year, to get them out and have a good strong showing like that is good. You can imagine, if you added Becky [Moody] to the mix, you’d have near enough the top team.”

“She’s an exciting horse, that one”

Fiona’s third-place finish in the special was another bright spot. Her 10-year-old home-bred Donna Bella (Don Juan de Hus x Gribaldi) is the daughter of Atterupgaards Orthilia, who, with Fiona, was a member of the British team that won silver at both the 2015 European Championships in Aachen and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio – a family connection that clearly shows.

“That’s a very exciting mare she’s bred,” Carl said. “What you could really see is how much trust she had in her, because the mare is very like her mother.

“She’s got so much temperament and talent, and she just needs some easy rides to give her confidence. Fiona knows the mother so well, the family so well – she’s so tactful in her way of riding with her, and she just guided her around to do some really lovely tests. She’s an exciting horse, that one.”

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‘Every show is a treasured memory now’: Carl Hester and Fame kick off their season with Doha double

Oscar Williams — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:29:17 +0000

Carl Hester and his three-time championship partner Fame opened their 2026 campaign in style with a dominant double at the CHI Al Shaqab in Doha.

The British pair topped the CDI5* grand prix on 75.85%, finishing ahead of Sandra Sysojeva and Maxima Bella (74.28%), then raised the bar to 82.98% in the freestyle to take the €27,000 top prize and seal a clear-cut victory.

For Carl, the win marked a meaningful return to Doha.

“I haven’t been back in Doha for 11 years,” he told H&H. “To come back after all this time and win is a lovely experience for me.

“I’ve been doing the sport for 36 years, so every show is a bit of a treasured memory now.”

Consistent collected work

The marks reflected tests built on the quality of the ever-consistent stallion’s collected work.

In the grand prix, the canter pirouettes, piaffe and collected walk drew a stream of eights. The freestyle again showcased Fame’s strength in piaffe and passage, as well as two more fluent pirouettes, which averaged scores of over eight across the five judges.

“The horse was really good, he felt lovely,” Carl said. “He can be quite sharp, but he was really relaxed today. He was cool, really nice to ride.”

The February fixture came at the start of a carefully planned season, with this summer’s World Championships in mind.

“My season starts now,” Carl said. “Every show I do counts. Each score matters. If you can get the highest scores at the least amount of shows, you don’t have to show so much before the championships. But if something goes wrong, you immediately have to go and do another show to rectify it.”

Carl has opted to space Fame’s outings this year; having started with this Doha double, he is unlikely to compete again until April.

“We’ve had such a long winter at home,” he said. “He’s 16 now, so I can go and enjoy him at shows. I don’t have to compete for the experience with him any more.”

Carl Hester said that Doha, with its sunshine and relaxed atmosphere, offered an appealing way to start.

“It’s a little bit like watching A Place in the Sun!” Carl said. “After a long winter, it makes you realise why you want to move abroad.”

Podium finish for Bates

There was further British success in the para classes, in which Alcester-based Sara Bates made the journey with Tango to contest the CPEDI3* grade IV classes.

Describing the trip as a “dream come true”, Sara secured second place in the freestyle with 68.79%, riding to music from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She finished runner-up to the USA’s Kate Shoemaker, the world number one in the grade.

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Valegro and Uthopia’s unremarkable beginnings on their way to stardom

Oscar Williams — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 08:15:00 +0000

In this extract from H&H dressage editor Oscar Williams’ four-page magazine tribute to the horses who reshaped British dressage and gave us so much more than medals, he looks back at how both horses found their way to Carl Hester’s yard...

Uthopia was never meant to be the star of anyone’s yard. Dutch producer Ivonne Lawrence had gone to see a different horse when she spotted a small black three-year-old with a chewed tail watching her from the corner of a barn. He’d been sat on a handful of times, but the moment she rode him, his power was unmistakable.

“I’ve never felt a horse like it,” Ivonne said. “He had so much suspension it was like a trampoline, and cantering him felt like shooting off to the moon.”

Around the same time, a cobby bay colt, who’d go on to be the greatest dressage horse of all time, was not accepted at his KWPN stallion grading. Valegro didn’t match the tall, modern type the judges wanted, but he caught Carl Hester’s eye.

“I was staying with Anne and Gertjan van Olst in the Netherlands, and Anne suggested we go to watch the grading – I’d never experienced one before,” recalls Carl.

“Gertjan had five or six young horses going through, one of which was Valegro. I couldn’t take my eyes off him and his canter. He was quite small – he always had that chunkiness and strength about him, with the head of a duchess and the bottom of a cook.

“He wasn’t accepted, so he went out with the others to be sold. When Anne and I went to see him afterwards, he had such a charming, grown-up look about him.”

Valegro wasn’t expensive, and once he’d been gelded, he arrived at Carl’s yard in Gloucestershire. But he didn’t look like a future champion. He was small, strong and not the type Carl imagined himself riding at grand prix.

“I said to Anne, ‘I’m going to bring him back, and we’ll find him another home,’” Carl explained.

Carl returned Valegro to the Van Olsts on his way to a five-day show in the Netherlands. The plan was to leave him there and move on. But as Carl was driving back towards the UK, Anne advised him to think again.

“So I stopped there again on the way back and Valegro got back on the lorry. He ended up just having a five-day holiday in the Netherlands,” Carl laughed.

How Carl found Uthopia

Whereas Valegro entered Carl’s life almost by accident, Uthopia was never intended for him at all.

Back at the Athens Olympics, Irish event rider Sasha Stewart had joked to Carl that she wanted to be a dressage rider “when I grew up”. So on a later shopping trip to the Netherlands, Carl was looking for a horse for each of them.

“Uthopia was the first horse I saw when I got off the plane in Amsterdam,” Carl said. “I had one quick sit on him and although he was very small, he was so bouncy, energetic and sweet. I thought he’d be perfect for Sasha.

“I rang her and said, ‘As it’s the first one I’ve seen, you can have him, and I’ll find something bigger for me.’ I never did.”

Uthopia headed to Ireland with Sasha. “He threw me off the first day!” she recalled. “He did this extravagant pirouette and I just plopped off like a total beginner. Then he galloped around my property and jumped a huge hedge with all his tack on. I thought, ‘Oh good, he jumps too.’”

Soon after, Sasha became pregnant, so Uthopia went to Carl’s yard in Gloucestershire – and from those unremarkable beginnings, the two horses found themselves side by side, the start of a stablemate partnership that would redefine British dressage.

To read the full four-page tribute to these remarkable horses, plus reactions to their passing from top names in the horse world, pick up a copy of Horse & Hound magazine, in shops from Thursday 11 December

To stay up to date with all the breaking equestrian news throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘Their legacy will shape British dressage for decades’: equestrian world remembers Valegro and Uthopia

Becky Murray — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 13:03:40 +0000

The equestrian community is remembering Valegro and Uthopia – the much-loved dressage powerhouses who gained fans worldwide.

Following the announcement on 1 December of their passing, there has been an outpouring of love as people shared happy memories of what made them so special.

Valegro’s co-owner Rowena Luard said she was “smitten” at first sight.

“My first glimpse of Valegro was at one of his early young horse shows. I was smitten. Carl asked me if I might like to be part of Valegro’s future and it was the easiest decision of my life,” she told H&H.

“He was a small horse but had such presence. I loved his beautiful, elegant face and kind eye. It was when we started doing the shows with him that you saw our little boy transform into this elegant powerhouse. It was definitely the crowd that elevated him. He just loved to perform.”

Rowena said watching Valegro break records was “such a privilege, but almost just as satisfying was the effect he had on everyone. He was such a gentleman. So kind, so patient. He was a true equine rockstar,” she said.

“His journey to global stardom was enabled by a phenomenal team of people from the early days whose hard work and passion really made it all happen. Chef d’equipe Dickie Waygood and Richard Davidson were our heroes, as was Will Connell of British Equestrian. The vets and masseuse who travelled with him everywhere ensured our athlete was in top top shape at all times.

“Haydn Price, the British team farrier, was a huge support and with whom I held hands at most of the competitions as I was so nervous. Alan of course, our supergroom and super personal assistants Claudine and Katie, who handled all of the logistics and mountains of paperwork. Anne Barrott joined the team as another co-owner and we so loved following the global adventures of Team Valegro. It was incredible to witness such a team of consummate professionals working so tirelessly to achieve our dreams.”

A British Dressage spokesperson said Valegro and Uthopia “leave legacies that will shape British dressage for decades to come”.

Carl and Uthopia. (Image credit: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle)

“Their hoofprints may have faded from the competition arena, but the mark they left on our sport is indelible,” said the spokesperson.

“Though different in personality and way of going, Valegro and Uthopia were united by the principles that brought them to greatness. Together, they brought our sport to new audiences, reshaped the public’s understanding of dressage, inspired a generation and demonstrated that outstanding performance is built on kindness and trust.”

British Dressage chief executive Jason Brautigam said it was “these two legends” that led to him being in his role.

“The incredible performances of Uthopia and Valegro at London 2012 will live long in the memory of all equestrian fans. It was such a special occasion and was transformational for the sport in Great Britain. It was the moment that dressage captured the hearts and minds of the public, and I was no exception,” he said.

“It was an absolute privilege to see Valegro win gold again in Rio. An experience I will personally cherish forever.”

Mr Brautigam added “but most importantly, these two horses redefined dressage”.

“Their beautiful, gentle souls, relaxed temperament, and seemingly effortless ability in the arena heralded a new era. Their wonderful partnerships with Carl and Charlotte showcased the best of our sport,” he said.

“As any visitor to Carl’s yard would agree, spirits were always lifted by the sight of these two companions enjoying their well-earned retirement in the paddock. Now, they are sadly no longer with us, but we should take comfort that they remained inseparable to the end.”

Six-time Badminton winner Lucinda Green was “incredibly spoiled” to have a lesson on Valegro.

“I set across the diagonal in medium trot and I could hardly sit there – it was such power,” she told H&H. “He was an absolute sweetheart to ride, he was such a lovely person.”

Lucinda remembers Valegro’s London 2012 freestyle, where he and Charlotte scored 90.09% for individual gold.

“The music along with Big Ben was the most striking thing. Valegro held his own and it was wonderful.”

Lucinda said what Carl and Uthopia and Charlotte and Valegro achieved was “phenomenal”.

“The pair of them, they were just iconic. And I think it’s lovely that they’ve both gone off to fly with the angels together.”

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‘Like a symphony; every note was so beautiful’: Olympic dressage judge pays tribute to Valegro and Uthopia

Becky Murray — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 17:57:29 +0000

Top British judge Isobel Wessels, who was on the panel at all of Valegro’s record-breaking performances, has remembered him and Uthopia for their talent and characters – and putting Britain on the world stage.

The international rider, trainer and five-star judge has paid tribute to the much-loved pair following the announcement on 1 December that they had been put down.

Isobel described Valegro (Blueberry) and Uthopia (Uti) as being “both such complete horses”.

“When you judged them they both had clearly been so well trained and were so willing. It was the beginning of all of this wonderful harmony we talk about now. Those two, coming with Carl and Charlotte, they started the ‘pole’ rolling so to speak,” Isobel told H&H.

“We’d seen lovely combinations in the past, but these horses just always gave me the feeling that they were happy in their job. They loved what they did, and they did it with such ease and willingness. They both just got better and better, and that isn’t always the case with horses.”

Uthopia and Valegro first made their mark at the European Dressage Championships at Rotterdam in 2011, under Carl and Charlotte, helping deliver Britain’s first European team gold medal – alongside teammates Laura Tomlinson and Mistral Hojris and Emile Faurie and Elemegardens Marquis. It was at this competition that Uthopia came to the forefront, taking individual silver, behind the Netherlands’ Adelinde Cornelissen and Pazival.

“Uti was just like a little powerhouse. He came across as being not a huge mover, but his extended trot just came out of something inside him. There was this willingness,” she said.

“He wasn’t the biggest horse in stature, but the way Carl trained him, it was every other moment one was thinking ‘Wow, where did that come from?’. I’ll never forget in Rotterdam when he got all 10s for his extended trot. He was small but mighty. That was the beginning of this power pair coming up, that was their first step.”

Charlotte and Valegro pictured at Rio 2016. (Image credit: © Nixonphoto)

Isobel said Valegro was “such an enormous character”.

“Blueberry was like a big rubber ball; just so talented but he had this character and personality. When you sat on the side of the arena judging he, he grabbed you,” she said.

“I’m so proud that I was on the jury of all his record-breaking scores for the grand prix, special and freestyle. I feel very honoured my name was on all those test sheets.”

Isobel added that judging Valegro and Uthopia made her job very enjoyable.

“Horses that have some spectacular moments are of course wonderful to observe and judge, but when you have this complete horse, which they both were, it was like a symphony. Every note was so beautiful,” she said.

“There was no struggle, it was just a natural easygoing picture, where the horses blossomed and became more and more because of who they were and their wonderful training.”

Isobel said that Valegro and Uthopia “put Britain on the world stage”.

“It’s been the showcase of our traditional and worldly respected horsemanship and ability,” she said.

“I think with those horses, it was just like: ‘Bang, here we are on the world stage – look out, Britain’s coming’.”

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‘You are still so loved’: Charlotte Dujardin pays farewell tribute to her world record-breaking partner Valegro

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:28:00 +0000

Charlotte Dujardin has paid her final tribute to her superstar dancing partner Valegro, or Blueberry as he was fondly known, after his death aged 23.

She and Carl Hester announced today that Valegro and Uthopia, best of friends throughout their lives, had been allowed to go peacefully together.

Charlotte addressed her words to “Dear Blueberry”.

“I love you,” she said. “I don’t know how to start this with any other words.

“I knew of course this day would come, but I don’t think I could ever be ready for it. And I’m sitting here, summoning up the courage to write this, knowing I’ll never have the words, knowing they’ll never be enough, but wanting to share something anyway because so many people loved you and it just feels like the right thing to do. You have been and still are so loved.

“You have been my constant, my rock. Through the highest highs and the lowest lows, your gentle presence, your steady heartbeat, the silent moments we shared together have been my everything, the place I could always go to. In those quiet moments we had so many conversations without words; you loved me completely, as I am. You saw my heart and I yours.

“I’ve never sat on a horse like you, Blueberry. It was always your heart and your mind that made you the best. We grew together, learned together, believed together. You would enter the arena and just know how special you were – I could feel you grow. The hush of the crowd as everyone turned to look at you. It would make me sit a little taller, shoulders back, head up – I just wanted to do you proud, to show the world what you were capable of; I could feel every muscle in your body move, every breath you took, every shiver of excitement and we would just melt into each other, it was like you could hear my heart speak and I yours.

“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…”

Charlotte Duajrdin at the Rio Olympics in 2016 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Valegro, owned by Roly Luard and Anne Barrott, was bred by Joop and Maartje Hanse. He moved to Carl Hester’s yard aged two, and although he was initially given to Charlotte to bring on for Carl, their partnership was so strong, it could not be broken.

Charlotte said Blueberry transformed the sport; the London Olympics in 2012 were “the greatest stage”.

“We had no idea how our worlds would change, just a girl and a horse, trying our best,” she said.

“But the biggest gift of all was the amount of joy you brought to this world. You made people smile every single day of your life. What a rare and special gift that is. You were born to do it, you always knew who needed extra care – so gentle with my children and the many others who met you, particularly those unwell. Seeing eyes light up – what a difference you made.

Alan Davies with Valegro. (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

“To those who were able to meet you, even if just passing by, you gave hope, love and belief – you genuinely changed people’s lives, just with a touch, a nuzzle, warm breath on a face; just by being you. I’m so glad William and Isabella met you – they will grow up knowing your name, hearing stories about you, looking at pictures and videos of you. You will live on, not just in theirs, but in so many peoples’ hearts, and that gives me great happiness – you deserve to, and will be, remembered for ever.

“You chose me. And I was for ever yours. I don’t know why, or how, but I thank my lucky stars you did. Our story is one that anyone who’s ever loved a horse can relate to – far beyond the medals and the talent, the reason to keep going, the reason we get up in the morning and do what we do, for the simple love of a horse.

“You have been, and always will be, my one in a million and it has been the honour of my life to be not only your dance partner but best friend. The magic we had, no one can take from us, and we will dance again one day.

“I feel you with me, I know you’re here. I saw a robin after I’d finished my tests the other day – just sitting quietly nearby, watching. Joined by a second before both flying off. You and Uti, always side by side, together always. I miss you both, more than I can say. The robin stayed just long enough for me to know you were there with me. It lifts me, and I will always look for you.

“I love you Blueberry. With every inch of my heart. For ever and always. My beautiful, best boy.”

Do you have a special memory of Valegro that you’d like to share with other H&H readers? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com including your name, nearest town and county for the chance to have it published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine – plus don’t miss further tributes to Valegro and Uthopia in 11 December issue

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Heartbroken farewell to beloved superstars Valegro and Uthopia who created dressage’s golden era

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:27:51 +0000

There is an “emptiness in the air” in the yard, Carl Hester said, as superstars Valegro and Uthopia have been put down, aged 23 and 24 respectively.

The legendary horses, who with Carl and Charlotte Dujardin changed the face of British dressage and “gave our sport a golden era”, were the best of friends throughout their lives; Carl said letting them go together was “the final act of loyalty and dignity I felt I could give them”.

“Sleep well Blueberry and Uti, two of the greatest horses of our generation,” he said.

“It is with immense sadness that we have said goodbye to Valegro and Uthopia and without question, this is a loss that just feels hard to comprehend.

“Trying to write a tribute to these two horses feels harder than I imagined. The yard just doesn’t feel the same without them, there’s an emptiness in the air.”

Valegro and Charlotte together won three Olympic gold medals; team and individual in 2012 and individual in 2016, when the team won silver. They won individual world gold in 2014, European gold in 2013 and 2015, and back-to-back World Cup Final titles – and broke just about every dressage record going.

Carl and Uthopia were also on the team that won Olympic gold in 2012; they also took team and European gold and individual silver in 2011 and team bronze in 2013.

Carl Hester and Uthopia (Image credit: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle)

“Valegro and Uthopia did more than win medals and write history, they gave our sport a golden era,” Carl said. “They both showed that greatness can be gentle, sensitive and harmonious and they made a nation proud and inspired so many.

“Being part of their journey will always remain one of my proudest achievements and the whole team and myself are deeply grateful for the joy they gave to us at home but also to their fans around the world.

“Their entire lives ran in parallel; they travelled to the shows side by side, lived in neighbouring stables, grazed in the same fields and retired together. Their bond and companionship were absolute.”

Carl said that as their years advanced, so too did their health challenges.

“So allowing them to leave this world together was the final act of loyalty and dignity I felt I could give them, honouring a partnership that had never been separated in life,” he said.

“They leave behind a huge void, and the yard has changed for ever and so have we. They were our family and I will love and miss them always. The impact they had will remain but sadly, we don’t get to keep horses forever.

“We only get to carry what they leave inside us. And these two left us so much.”

Do you have a special memory of Valegro or Uthopia that you’d like to share with other H&H readers? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com including your name, nearest town and county for the chance to have it published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine – plus don’t miss further tributes to Valegro and Uthopia in 11 December issue

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‘The plan was to finish with Fame this year – but I haven’t made any decisions’: Carl Hester on medals, motivation and the future

Oscar Williams — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:38:34 +0000

On the latest episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, British dressage legend Carl Hester reflects on last month’s European Dressage Championships, opens up about the horse that’s brought him back to the podium again – and what might come next.

At 15 years old, Carl believes his European-ride Fame is hitting his stride. After helping Britain secure team silver in Crozet, Carl reflected on just how far the stallion has come – and how much he means to him.

“He’s been such a brilliant competition horse this year,” Carl says. “He’s become extremely consistent. If this is the last championship horse I ride, then I’ve been very lucky to have had him.”

But it wasn’t always straightforward. Fame, owned by Carl’s longtime friend Fiona Bigwood and her daughter Mette Dahl, was once far more tense and unpredictable.

Carl made the decision to strip back Fame’s programme in the build-up to the Europeans, giving him a winter of hacking, stretching and lunging – with almost no schooling.

The result? A much more relaxed horse between the boards.

“We’ve worked so long on relaxation,” Carl says. “He’s the most relaxed horse in the stable, in the field, hacking – and now that’s coming into his work. I think last winter has chilled him out completely.”

Carl admits he’s had to work hard to get Fame’s neck where he wants it, calling it his biggest challenge in the test. “But by the final day at Crozet, I managed it. And every test, he improved.”

“I would describe him as the most fun horse I’ve ever ridden – he just goes and goes,” Carl adds. “He might not have the biggest walk or the easiest shape, but that doesn’t stop me enjoying every ride.”

Carl Hester on what comes next

But with Fame’s future still uncertain, Carl’s own plans are also up in the air.

“We’ll see what happens with Fame now because Fiona again, kindly, allowed me to have until this year. But the plan was for me to finish with him this year,” he revealed. “There are a couple of other offers on the table, but I haven’t made any decisions.

“It is hard to stay motivated as you get older, but I still love riding – so that’s not the issue. But I’ve lost five friends in the last few weeks – and that really makes you reflect.

“I’m not quite sure how much longer I will run the yard for here. It’s a big thing around your neck running a place like this.”

For now, though, there are no firm plans.

“I’m just going to enjoy the summer we’ve had, how well the Europeans went, and get back to a winter of training. Things carry on pretty much as normal – but I’ve learned never to say anything in concrete.”

Whether or not he competes again at a major championship, Carl’s influence – as a rider, trainer, and figurehead – isn’t going anywhere. But if this summer was his swan song on the European stage, it was certainly a good one.

To hear more from Carl on his partnership with Fame, the future of British dressage, and why Utopia and Valegro are “like two old ponies now”, listen to episode 169 of The Horse & Hound Podcast here, or search “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your favourite podcast app.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news in the run up to HOYS, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

The Horse & Hound Podcast 169: Carl Hester reflects on his 13th Europeans, how judging is changing, and what might be next…

Carol Phillips — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:32:31 +0000

On our 169th episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, which is supported by NAF this month, we caught up with British dressage legend Carl Hester shortly after his return from the European Dressage Championships. Carl talks about the highs and lows for the British squad in France, plus what’s next for him, including the young horses he’s most excited about. We hope you enjoy listening.

Episode 169 of our popular audio service The Horse & Hound Podcast, which this month is supported by NAF, is now live and features dressage superstar Carl Hester.

Each episode is available for H&H fans to listen to via your favourite podcast app, as well as here on the website. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode.

View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

On this episode we caught up with the British dressage legend the day after he had ridden his freestyle test with Fame at the 2025 European Dressage Championships, which were held in Crozet, France. This was Carl’s 13th European Championships and he talks about the highs and lows for the British squad in France, how judging is changing, plus what might be next for him.

Then Jennifer Welsh, digital marketing manager at NAF, chats to Carl in an advertisment feature about his long relationship with the company, plus how he keeps his horses happy and healthy while away at international competitions, and some of the young horses he’s most excited about.

“It is hard to stay motived as you get older, but I still love riding so that’s not an issue for me at all. There are a couple of other offers on the table… but for now things carry on pretty much as normal” – Carl Hester on what’s might be next

We would love to hear your feedback on all our podcasts, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 169

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Carl Hester: ‘It’s not just riders who are adjusting, but judges too’

Carl Hester — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 08:00:33 +0000

Carl Hester on European Dressage Championships successes and the need to balance power and harmony

Although Crozet wasn’t the biggest venue you’d expect for a major championship, what a fantastic job the organisers did for this year’s European Dressage Championships – from the stabling to the healthy, plentiful food. Geneva, a 20-minute drive away, is a stunning city, and our day off after the grand prix was a memorable one of team bonding around the picturesque lake.

Of course, team gold would have been wonderful, but it doesn’t always go to plan. Still, I’m so proud of our riders, horses, grooms and support crew.

The 2025 Europeans were a positive experience, not just for the British team but for dressage as a sport. Before the competition began, there was a comprehensive briefing that all judges, stewards and riders had to attend. I liked this approach – it set the tone of everyone working together to present harmonious, correct riding.

That’s always the goal, but having it laid out clearly for all competitors puts harmony firmly at the forefront.

Importantly, rules were applied consistently. Every noseband was checked with the new measuring device, every piece of tack inspected, and with four stewards in the warm-up and the whole thing videoed, nobody fell foul of uneven enforcement. This kind of transparency should help address the criticism that dressage hasn’t done enough to change.

As has always been the case, there will only ever be a handful of riders able to be brilliant across all the movements. Some nations don’t have the same access to training or polish as the very top, but the positive step is that welfare rules are applied equally, and everyone can enjoy the sport on a fair playing field.

I must mention double gold medallist Justin Verboomen, who is exactly what the sport needs to keep moving in the right direction. His warm-ups are as classical as his tests. When I went to congratulate him, he was so embarrassed that he put his arms over his head and said he couldn’t believe it. What a humble man!

At the grand prix press conference, someone asked why, if the riding here was some of the best ever, scores weren’t as high as at the 2023 Europeans, where we won team gold. The answer, from Danish judge Hans-Christian Matthiesen at C, was that as the sport evolves towards harmony and ease, some riders have to adapt their way of going.

My view is that if more riders rode with less power, judging would be easier.

Very few can combine big power with balance and still make it look effortless. So it’s not just riders who are adjusting, but judges too, if this is truly the way forward – which I believe it is.

The individual finals were thrilling, with the tiniest of margins between Justin and Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour. I couldn’t have picked a winner – their tests had very different but equally outstanding highlights. If Belgium can strengthen their wider team, they’ll soon be in contention for medals, which would be a huge boost for their country.

More changing of the guard

This year we’ve lost too many of the greats. Firstly, Tricia Gardiner, with whom I was lucky enough to ride on the 1991 Europeans team.

She became a dear friend to me and was still hacking Valegro at 89. Experiences like that kept Trish going. She marked her 90th birthday with a wonderful garden party on a hot summer’s day, with 40 of us there. Four days later, she passed away unexpectedly. It was a shock, but what a way to go.

Also, Jane Kidd was another giant of British dressage – a pioneer, supporter and long-serving team selector. The phrase, “looks like a flower, stings like a bee”, sums her up. She certainly kept us in line with a rod of iron. Both Trish and Jane will be greatly missed by everyone in the dressage community.

● What changes do you think would help judges and riders strike the bight balance between harmony and power in the arena? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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‘He still looks five, and so does his rider!’: Toledo De Kerser delights fans in special Burghley appearance

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 18:32:36 +0000

Shiny, fit and well – Toledo De Kerser certainly didn’t look his 18 years in Carl Hester’s dressage masterclass at Defender Burghley Horse Trials.

“He still looks five years old, and so does his rider!” said Carl of the Olympic and world gold medallist and his equally decorated rider, Tom McEwen.

Although the crowd emitted a collective grumble after Carl confirmed the upcoming European Eventing Championships squad member is “going home after the demo”, the dressage maestro and his five-star pupil had the stands erupting with laughter throughout the Friday lunchtime session.

Carl said he’d been told the eventer-turned-family pet Toledo had been fresh to get on. “Tom offered me the ride, but I was busy!” he told the audience.

Toledo De Kerser in Burghley masterclass: three key takeaways

Fresh from the European Dressage Championships, Carl Hester treated spectators to his medal-winning training insights. He and Tom examined and revisited some of the movements from the Burghley dressage test.

1. First impressions count

A dressage test entrance and centre line constitute the judges’ first impression – and the rider’s first chance to wow.

“Common mistakes you see are quarters in, crookedness, and coming into the halt transition too fast,” said Carl. “We have a rein aid, leg aid and seat aid, so we have to use all three.”

Tom initially had some trouble demonstrating a “bad” downward transition, as Toledo was stepping well into a soft, square halt. But by using more hand than leg the second time, he showed what not to do. “The horse actually stepped back into the halt there – but it must always be a forward transition,” said Carl.

According to Carl, more than 90% of riders surveyed at the dressage Europeans enter the arena on the left rein. “It’s much easier to straighten horses out from left to right,” he said.

2. Shoulder-in can quickly become quarters-out

A common error Carl sees is a horse’s neck bending too much to the inside. “A horse needs to be straight in a shoulder-in, meaning the head is in front of the chest,” he explained. “You can’t ride shoulder-in off the rein; it must come from the leg.”

According to Carl if you look at a horse performing shoulder-in head-on, you shouldn’t be able to see the inside hind leg. “This is the leg that’s pushing the fore on an inside track,” he said. “The classic mistake is the rider’s inside leg pushing the hind end out of alignment. So the front legs are on the centre line, but the hind legs are on an outside track. That way, a shoulder-in can quickly become quarters-out.”

3. Transitions are made up of three parts

“Transitions must have a beginning, a middle and an end,” said Carl of Tom and Toledo’s extended canter. “It’s not just about how they extend; it’s how they come back, free from resistance.

Tom gave Toledo a break, coming back to walk with a transition that Carl gave a score of five.

“Dressage riders have to be obsessed with transitions,” he said. “On every single downward transition you should collect, bring the horse back on to his hind leg, and then give a long rein.”

To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout Burghley and other major shows this year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website, from £1 a week. Horse & Hound’s 20-page magazine report on Burghley is published in 11 September issue, including full analysis and exclusive comment from six-time Burghley winner William Fox-Pitt.

‘I made a few old-man mistakes; Fame was fantastic!’ Carl delighted after high-volume freestyle at European Dressage Championships

Martha Terry — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 12:03:45 +0000

Carl Hester and Fame produced yet another consistent performance in the freestyle at the European Dressage Championships to score 81.03%. This slotted him in just 0.1% behind Patrik Kittel and Touchdown, who posted their best performance of this championship, with six left to go.

This freestyle, which Carl used in Paris, is a lot of fun to watch – they had the crowd singing and dancing as they waltzed down the final line.

This wasn’t Fame’s very best freestyle score, but it’s a floorplan full of difficult lines, and a couple of mistakes crept in despite the overall harmonious and dynamic picture. The judges are strict at this championships and personal bests are hard to come by.

The pair were performing copybook two-time changes until an unscheduled one-time popped in, but he repeated the line as permitted. And they carried off their party piece, the double pirouettes, beautifully.

“I made a few old-man mistakes, he felt fantastic! My error completely,” said Carl. “I’m so annoyed with myself at the end of those two-time changes, it was only my fault.

“The horse is so clever and in tune with me. He felt great to ride, and I thought ‘I’m running out of room but I have to do another two twos [tempi changes]’. Because I was wondering, thinking ‘I won’t, I will’ and just as I thought ‘I will’ he went boom, and did it without me asking. I thought, and he did it.”

The 15-year-old stallion, owned by Carl, Fiona Bigwood and Mette Dahl, was again without his bonnet but this time under sunny skies. But Carl explained that Fame has matured over the past few years.

“Three years ago I couldn’t touch him,” he said. “Paris he started to come of age. This championship he’s done three relaxed, reliable tests. This year he’s been so trustworthy.”

Carl Hester at the European Dressage Championships: “I’ve not heard music this loud”

And this despite the fact the music was turned up to a surprisingly high volume, which has been causing a few problems as some horses react to the noise.

“It’s so loud in there – I’ve not heard music this loud in a long time,” Carl said. “I suppose it’s sound-checked when there’s no one in the stands, and now it’s completely enclosed and it’s holding in the noise. You can see a few horses are getting scared, and Fame just got a bit scared. I wanted to do my passage next to the speaker, but he didn’t want to go near the speaker because it was so loud.”

But overall, Carl Hester was thoroughly content with his performance at the European Dressage Championships, in what he called “a beautiful day, in a beautiful mountain setting”.

“It’s a great way to finish another championships, in the 80s,” he said. “I would have liked to have gone for more, but marks are changing, judges are changing, riding’s having to change. Maybe that’s a good score for where Fame is now. I’m going home very happy.

“My 13th championships might be unlucky for some, but it’s been lucky for me. It’s been an absolute joy to be here this week, it’s been a happy week, a great team and support team, being part of a family. Everyone is so supportive. Anyone wanting to get on the British team should really be looking forward to it.”

Touchdown on the up at the European Dressage Championships

Patrik Kittel produced an eye-catching test from his Olympic partner Touchdown to score 81.14%, with music – such as Out of Touch, Touchdown and I Can’t Get No Satisfaction – that ideally suited this Quaterback stallion. It certainly appealed to the the crowd, who were tapping their feet and nodding their heads to the beat.

The pair were harmonious and expressive, going for a few risks as well as presenting correct movements, to eke out the high marks and take a comfortable early lead from fifth into the ring.

“It really felt like I nailed it,” said Patrik. “Yesterday I was passive, the first day I was sick, so I decided today I would ride like there’s no tomorrow.

“Touchdown loves this atmosphere. It’s quite intimate, but a cool intimacy. The people are so enthusiastic, and there were a lot of happy Swedish fans.

“Touchdown will now go out in the field for a week, then walk for a bit and have the vet check him before we start building up for the winter season. He’s strong in his body and he’s been very fit here – he loves doing the shows.”

Only the top 18; a maximum of three from each nation, from the grand prix special come forward to the freestyle, and the highest placed riders are drawn towards the end.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from the European Dressage Championships, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘I did a little experiment’: rain in France prompts Carl Hester to try a tack change for European grand prix special

Martha Terry — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:53:00 +0000

Carl Hester and Fame scored 76.38% in the grand prix special at the 2025 European Dressage Championships, in Crozet, France. Carl made a significant change to the horse’s tack by taking off his ear bonnet, but in the end the mark was pretty much bang on form.

Carl may have felt a little bit disappointed with the score, but it landed him in overall sixth, just behind Becky Moody. Lottie Fry took ninth with Glamourdale.

“I was happy with that – no mistakes, just another consistent test,” said Carl. “I didn’t expect to win a medal, but he felt better than yesterday so perhaps I expected it would be nearer 78%, but I’ve been doing this long enough [not to be disappointed]. I just wanted to do my bit for the team – and Fiona [Bigwood, Fame’s joint owner].”

Harmony and communication are the hallmarks of this combination, who are models of consistency. Fame was perhaps less expressive than in his previous day’s grand prix effort, which secured Britain’s team silver, but the pair were rewarded for their smooth accuracy and general impression, which drew nines. Nines too came for exquisite pirouettes, while their passage on a super final centre line rounded off this pleasing performance.

“He was a little bit chilled – he’s gone from being this electric, hot horse at the start of the season to a laid-back character,” Carl added. “He’s just so good and genuine – his pirouettes come round on a dinner plate and then he off he goes in the ones [tempi changes] straight as a die.”

Fame started his extended walk with a little spook – this is typically where he scores his lowest marks and it meant he was always on the back foot for that section. However, the damage was minimal and Fame picked up exactly where he left off into the piaffe.

Carl Hester “takes off Fame’s hat” at European Dressage Championships

Carl had wondered what effect taking the bonnet off would have on this sensitive stallion, explaining why he decided to remove it.

“I did a little experiment and took his hat off because I thought it would be horrible for him in the rain if it got wet,” he said. “I had nothing to lose as the team’s done, but I thought he would either be sharp, because he is reactive, or he’d stay the same. And he was pretty much the same.

“He’s never let me down – he was amazing again.”

First to congratulate Carl after his test was Fiona Bigwood, and Carl talked about the joy of sharing this experience with a long-time friend.

“It’s so nice to do this for Fiona – we were on a team together in around 1997 at the European Championships; we’ve been friends a long time,” said Carl. “It’s lovely she trusted me to ride Fame. It’s a real friendship – she trusts me and I trust her. And she’s very honest about my riding! It’s so nice to share it with someone; I’m not on my own, I have someone to talk about it with.”

Carl Hester confirmed he will be using his Paris music for the grand prix freestyle at the European Dressage Championships on Sunday (31 August), which scored plus-85% at the Olympics.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from the European Dressage Championships, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Britain secures team silver at European Dressage Championships as Germany claims 50th gold

Martha Terry — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:29:19 +0000

The British team of Lottie Fry, Carl Hester, Becky Moody and Andrew Gould have won the silver medal at the European Dressage Championships in Crozet, France.

It went down to the last rotation of riders as a final showdown between Germany and Britain, after Carl’s super test on Fame had put Britain right into contention to defend the title they won in Riesenbeck two years ago.

The match-up between Lottie and Germany’s Isabell Werth would decide the team’s fate as the Germans pushed for their 50th European Dressage Championships gold medal.

When Isabell scored 79.224% on Wendy De Fontaine to slot into second on the leaderboard behind Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, a massive result from Lottie – Britain’s anchor – would be required.

As Lottie and Glamourdale’s average at grand prix prior to the European Dressage Championships was 76.59%, this was a big ask on a day when the judges weren’t throwing marks at competitors.

Lottie needed 78.73% to secure the gold medal for Britain and made a bold, confident start on the 2022 world champion Glamourdale. But while their highlights were exceptional, mistakes meant they finished on 75.87%.

This score was still comfortably good enough to secure team silver, staying ahead of Denmark in bronze.

Glamourdale’s half-passes were stunning, and the judges loved their passage. However, Lottie had to make a correction in the passage before the stallion made an uncharacteristic mistake in the collected canter before the two-time changes.

Their party-piece extended canter naturally clawed back some of the lost marks with two 10s awarded, but ultimately, there were too many little blips, notably when he climbed his way through the pirouettes, that precluded a really top score.

“It was really exciting,” Lottie reflected after the prizegiving. “In team competitions, when it comes down to the last few riders, it always is.

“There was a lot of pressure going in, knowing we were in contention for gold. But I didn’t look at the scoreboard before I went in – I was very focused. Unfortunately, it wasn’t our day; too many mistakes crept in, which can happen.

“I’m looking forward to the rest of the competition because Glamourdale is settling in and improving day by day. I think we’re going to be fine. And I still think we all did a good job to come away with the silver.”

There are no individual medals in this team contest, but Lottie finished sixth on the leaderboard, just behind team-mate Carl. Tomorrow (Friday, 29 August), individual medals will be awarded in the grand prix special, for which the top 30 from the grand prix go forward.

European Dressage Championships team medals

Gold: Germany on 229.64%
Silver: Britain on 226.79%
Bronze: Denmark on 223.39%

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‘I am just thrilled’: Carl Hester spearheads British surge for gold at European Dressage Championships

Martha Terry — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:56:26 +0000

Carl Hester demonstrated outstanding horsemanship to take the lead in the grand prix on Fame at the European Dressage Championships after the third rider rotation. His 76.09% score has given Britain a whisker of a lead over Germany, with just one rider left to go in each of the teams.

“I am just thrilled – he’s such a genuine horse,” said Carl. “He’s fun to ride in a grand prix because he doesn’t run out of energy. He’s the most consistent horse, scoring 77% or nearly that every time this year.

“I’m really happy, and happy that Lottie has a bit less pressure heaped on her. And it’s great for the sport. They’re all good horses, could all be amazing or all make mistakes. It’s going to be an exciting afternoon.”

How Carl Hester’s grand prix went at the European Dressage Championships

The crowds were out in force to watch Carl, at his 13th European Championship, which might not have been in Fame’s favour but the pair exhibited a masterclass of harmony despite the distractions.

Carl’s relieved smile at the final halt told the story. After a tidy start, his scores briefly dropped to sixth place, well below his grand prix average. But Carl drew on all the trust he has built up with the Bordeaux stallion and conjured up an amazing final section, with fabulous pirouettes boosting the pair into the lead.

“Fame is always looking [around] a bit, which is why the special can be more difficult for him as everything is next to the wall,” said Carl.

“There’s always something that could be better – sometimes it can be more harmonious and when you’re trying not to make mistakes you get a bit tighter than normal, but he did everything and he has so many highlights.”

Germany leaves the door open

Frederic Wandres kept the competition between Germany and Britain tight at the top, scoring just 0.1% below Becky Moody on 74.72%. With this mark a touch below their grand prix average of around 76%, this has kept the door open for a British charge.

“It depends on the last riders now, it’s very close – if Lottie [Fry] and Isabell [Werth] both go clean, perhaps it is a question of taste,” Frederic said.

Frederic rode a bold and forward test, eking out every mark on his long-term partner Bluetooth OLD. This lovely Bordeaux gelding goes in a crisp tempo, and while his extensions were particularly good, he scored consistently across the board. His only blips were a couple of small mistakes in one and two tempis.

“Carl is always strong and his test was mistake-free, while mine was good but can be better,” said Frederic. “I made a few mistakes here and there, so I knew it wasn’t perfect and cost us points we don’t want to lose, but it was still a good enough score.

“I was happy the horse was fresh and now I will concentrate on the special. I’ll focus on the changes but I won’t make a big deal about it because they are normally fine.”

Leaderboard changes at the European Dressage Championships

The blue-blooded Total Hope OLD, ridden by Norway’s Isabel Freese, was the first to make an impact on the leaderboard on day two of the grand prix. They scored 74.15% to move into fifth at this stage, just behind Frederic.

“I had a super feeling, he was fresh and hot but still with me and gave me a really nice light ride,” said Norway’s sole rider Isabel of the stallion, who juggles breeding and competition duties.

“I tried to enjoy it! I’m very proud of him. I try not to think of how amazing he is, the great son from Totilas and Weihegold. He trusts me and I trust him and it‘s just fun to ride him.”

The world number sevens were exceptional in the piaffe-passage and tempi changes, with super cadence and spring. The walk and halts are still his weak point, but this stallion is really starting to fulfil the expectations of his pedigree.

At the end of the third rider rotation at the European Dressage Championships, Frederic lies in fourth for Germany. Britain’s Carl Hester and Becky Moody are first and third, sandwiching Katharina Hemmer in second for Germany.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from the European Dressage Championships, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Celebrating Uthopia, Carl Hester’s small but mighty stallion who propelled Britain into the dressage stratosphere

Alice Collins — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 15:32:27 +0000

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Uthopia was the launchpad to Britain realising – after a lengthy medal drought – that team gold was within reach. Uthopia and Carl Hester stepped up to top level in 2010 and, just a year later, won the grand prix at the European Championships with 82.5%.

Until then, British gold was a pipe dream. Such has been Britain’s subsequent success that it’s hard to remember just how unlikely it seemed for so long. And that’s thanks, in large part, to a small black stallion who bounced like a pogo stick – and continues to thrive in retirement at Carl’s at the age of 24.

“Uti” was bred in the Netherlands and bought as a rough-and-ready three-year-old with a chewed tail by Dutch young horse producer Ivonne Lawrence, who had gone to view another horse.

Uthopia as a foal, with his dam Odelia (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“There was this little miniature horse looking at me with his beautiful face,” says Ivonne. “Uthopia was very small and had only been under saddle five times, but I sat on him and in my whole life I’ve never felt a horse like it. He had so much suspension it was like a trampoline, and cantering him felt like shooting off to the moon.”

Based on that exceptional feeling, Ivonne put concerns over his size aside. Uti was easy to train; if he learnt something once, he never forgot it. The pair finished seventh in the Pavo Cup final for four-year-olds and, although she was reluctant to sell the little guy, she forced her business head to overrule her heart and put him on the market. Step forward Carl Hester, shopping for a client.

“Uthopia was easy to train; if he learnt something once he never forgot it,” says his first producer Ivonne Lawrence (Image credit: creditUnknown)

How Uthopia landed with Carl Hester

Back at the Athens Olympics in 2004, Sasha Stewart was eventing for Ireland.

“I met Carl and told him I wanted to be a dressage rider when I grew up,” she says.

So, on a shopping trip to Holland, he was looking for a horse for each of them.

“Uthopia was the first horse I saw when I got off the plane in Amsterdam,” says Carl. “I had one quick sit on him and although he was very small, riding him was like jumping on a trampoline. He was so bouncy, energetic and sweet. I thought he’d be perfect for Sasha.

“I rang her and said, ‘As it’s the first one I’ve seen, you can have him and I’ll find something bigger for me.’ I never did.”

Sasha adds: “When I tried Uthopia I said, ‘He’s amazing, I love him, I’m taking him home.’”

A deal was struck and Uti went to Ireland.

“He threw me off the first day,” she admits. “He did this extravagant pirouette and I just plopped off like a total beginner, which was a surprise. Uti then galloped around my property and jumped a huge hedge with all his tack on. I thought, ‘Oh good, he jumps as well.’”

Soon after, Sasha became pregnant, so Uti went to Carl’s yard in Gloucestershire and hit the competition scene under Matt Frost. The pair won 10 of their first 11 starts, logging an 80% at novice level and standing regional champions at elementary. Carl rode him in young horse classes.

“He was just gorgeous and won everything,” says Carl. “His walk wasn’t the best, but he’d get nines and 10s to make up for it. He was incredibly easy to train.”

Carl’s long-time groom Alan Davies also fell for the compact stallion.

“He’s got the most divine character and he’s not stalliony at all,” says Alan. “I adore him and I often got into trouble for spending too much time with him.”

Carl and Uthopia’s one year at small tour, in 2009, raked in the prix st georges, the inter I and the inter I freestyle titles at the national championships. The following spring, Carl was heading to the Spanish Sunshine Tour and put Uti – then nine – on the lorry “for fun”. That trip resulted in four plus-71% wins from four starts at grand prix.

Uthopia and Carl Hester: “Like riding a computer, I just steered”

In 2011, at the picturesque venue of Fritzens in Austria, Uthopia found a new gear and aced the grand prix special, cracking 80% at the level for the first time. Valegro was just behind on 76% at his third FEI show.

“At Fritzens I got my first-ever 10,” recalls Carl. “Suddenly everyone was saying, ‘Wow, what a gorgeous horse.’ I was so used to riding him, I hadn’t really noticed.”

And given Valegro’s astronomic rise, it’s easy to see how Uthopia’s brilliance was shrouded as Carl poured everything into his protégée Charlotte Dujardin and her budding star. A month later, selection for the upcoming Europeans was hotting up and Carl headed to Hickstead with Uti.

“The breakthrough show was Hickstead in 2011,” says Carl, who once again topped 80% to win the grand prix. “There I met my first big gun in Parzival and beat him. Suddenly everyone realised we could actually win the Euros; it all happened so fast.”

Everything changed at the Rotterdam Europeans. With Uthopia on the team, flanked by Valegro and Mistral Hojris (Laura Tomlinson), in the blink of an eye, anything was possible.

“In the grand prix I knew I had to do something special for us to win gold. I floated around the arena and forgot how green Uti was. I just steered him; it was like riding a little computer.”

In the final extended trot, the crowd gasped as they saw seven 10s flash up.

“I heard that and thought something bad had happened,” he recalls. “At the final halt, they erupted and I was a bit bemused. Then the score [82.56%] went up; I’d won the grand prix at the Euros and we’d won gold. It was a defining moment.”

“A defining moment”: Carl and Uthopia lead Britain to team gold in Rotterdam 2011. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The pair went on to claim double individual silver – Carl’s first-ever individual medals – pipped twice by Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival.

“After the gold, we had a great party. I never expected to win the kür as that’s not my favourite, but I missed my changes in the special,” rues Carl. “I moved my legs too fast and that was my gold gone. Honestly, though, I thought an individual medal would never happen for me; I felt so much love for Uti at that show.”

Alan says, half joking: “Uti was the saving grace of British dressage when he won that grand prix. He should’ve won an individual gold, but I think Carl was a bit hungover.”

Uthopia and Carl Hester win Olympic gold on home turf

After the Europeans, offers to buy Uthopia ahead of the 2012 Olympics flooded in. A big-money sale was agreed, but Uti got sore feet. This meant the buyers couldn’t complete the purchase ahead of the FEI’s January transfer of ownership deadline, so Uthopia couldn’t be ridden by anyone of a different nationality at the Games. The sale evaporated and Sasha told Carl to keep Uti for the Olympics.

What a happy accident that proved to be. In front of a capacity home crowd, the same dream team of Carl, Charlotte and Laura did what many had deemed impossible just 18 months earlier: they won Olympic team gold. It was epic.

Carl celebrates a great test at London 2012, securing team gold. (Image credit: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

“Uthopia pulled it out of the bag and we finished third in the special,” recalls Carl. “By the freestyle, I was in a right state because Charlotte was on her own in the warm-up at her first Olympics and I just wanted to get it out the way and run back to help her on Valegro.”

In the months that followed, Carl had a surfeit of upcoming grand prix horses – Nip Tuck, Dances With Wolves and Fine Time – so he handed over the reins.

“Carl said Charlotte should ride Uti for the experience,” says Alan. “They ride and train together every day, but they ride completely differently and expect different things. Charlotte learnt an awful lot from Uti as he was completely different to Valegro.”

Uti and Charlotte were first or second in all six of the tests they contested. Carl’s other horses weren’t yet team-ready, so there was pressure for Carl to get back on for the 2013 Europeans in Herning.

“Charlotte had ridden Uti all season and Carl only rode him at one show; Hickstead, just a couple of weeks before Herning,” adds Alan. “For a dressage horse to do that in one season – especially a stallion – proves his amazing temperament. You couldn’t ask many horses to do that.”

Carl and Uthopia’s chunky scores in Herning, coupled with Valegro’s brilliance and solid performances from Michael Eilberg meant the British team added another medal – bronze – to their burgeoning haul.

A nightmare scenario before a fairytale ending

However, trouble was brewing. Sasha’s family suffered financial troubles and Uthopia became a ward of the court, which limited what he could do. The case dragged on for years, and Carl wasn’t always sure exactly where he stood.

“With the court case in full swing, they said I shouldn’t compete the horse, and that I shouldn’t have even ridden him in Herning. That’s why Charlotte started riding him again,” explains Carl. “I presumed – wrongly – that by then I was a part owner, but as I’d never technically purchased him, there was nothing I could do to stop the process.”

Uthopia was sold at public auction in May 2016. Nobody came to see him ahead of the sale and, with the help of some supporters, Carl drummed up what he hoped was enough money to bid on him remotely and secure his future. But, as the bidding ticked up, it wasn’t enough. The then 15-year-old stallion was bought by an anonymous man in the room for £165,000. Carl was devastated. The horse had remained at his yard, and Carl was simply told to await instructions. Days passed.

“It turned out the buyer had seen the video of Uti winning gold in London and bought him on the strength of that,” says Carl. “But when he approached some riders about taking him on, nobody was interested. He realised he’d made a big mistake.”

A friend of a friend of Carl’s – who wishes to remain anonymous to this day – stepped in.

“This angel appeared and negotiated to buy Uti back on the condition that I’d look after him for the rest of his life,” continues Carl. “I’m eternally grateful that she did that. I couldn’t believe that someone who’d never met me would be so kind and generous and give Uti the retirement he deserves. It was a fairytale ending after what he’d done for British dressage.”

While the court case was in progress, Charlotte successfully campaigned Uti at a couple of shows a year, until his swansong at Amsterdam in January of 2016.

These days, Uti goes in the field every morning alongside his bestie Valegro. The pair are “both foodies and eat every blade of grass they can get their mitts on”. Alan – who has since retired as their groom – remembers what a joy he was to ride.

“Uti was amazing to hack,” enthuses Alan. “He was bouncy and bold and never frightened me. If he was excited, he’d do a little piaffe or passage, but I knew him so well that I just patted him and ignored it. He could scare some of the younger girls, though.

Alan Davies and Uthopia at home in Gloucestershire. (Image credit: Paul Mingo/Pinnacle)

“I’ve travelled hundreds of thousands of miles with Valegro – we have a huge bond – but I had to share him with Charlotte and the rest of the world. Uti was mine and mine only. He’s still my hero.”

Uti’s competitive days are behind him, but the hallmark he left on British dressage is indelible.

“He has the most divine character,” says his former groom Alan Davies. (Image credit: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle)

Did you know?

Uti is 16.1hh (164cm).
His best score was 84.17% for individual freestyle silver at the 2011 Europeans
Fun fact: Carl had his tailcoat made shorter to help make Uti seem taller

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Fame – the dream horse who gave Carl Hester back his love of competing and a career-best score

Oscar Williams — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 15:30:57 +0000

Fame is the European team gold and Olympic bronze medal-winning ride of Carl Hester, and the horse who helped Carl achieve the highest score of his entire career.

Carl has described their connection as: “love at first ride.”

“Occasionally in your life, you get a horse who you feel just fits you, and Fame fits my personality and my physique,” he said.

“His enthusiasm makes him a dream horse. Fame doesn’t have any weaknesses. He has a good walk, an amazing extended trot and a super ability to collect for piaffe. He’s athletic going sideways, has expressive changes and good pirouettes.”

Fame’s early years

Fame was bred by M. Gerritsen in the Netherlands and is sired by Bordeaux, out of Bonaventura (by Rhodium).

He was presented at the 2013 KWPN Stallion Licensing but was not accepted and was later sold to Joop van Uytert.

He was trained and competed by Belgian Larissa Pauluis, earning a bronze medal at the 2014 Belgian Young Horse Championships. In 2015, they were first reserves for the Belgian team at the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses.

Carl Hester and Fame helped Britain win team bronze at the Paris Olympics. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

In 2016, he was sold to Jenny Linden Urnes of Christinelund Dressage in Sweden. With Swedish rider Sofie Lexner, Fame made his international small tour debut at Herning CDI in 2018, scoring 70% in the prix st georges and 66.941% in the inter I.

British Olympic silver medallist Fiona Bigwood bought him in 2019. She debuted him at grand prix in 2021 with a winning score of 73.1%.

“He’s such a fun horse – you ask and he reacts immediately,” Fiona told H&H. “The warm-up is about keeping him calm, but when you go down that last centre line, you’ve got all that energy for the piaffe and passage.”

Carl Hester and Fame: “Love at first ride”

Carl and Fiona have long worked closely, and in 2023, Fame and Carl made their first appearance as a combination, winning a grand prix at Hartpury with 76%.

“I’ve known Fame for years, helping Fiona,” Carl said. “She’s busy with the family and thought Fame would suit me, so she offered me the ride.”

Hartpury marked Carl’s return to competition after nearly a year away – and rekindled his love for the sport.

“Sometimes I forget that I started competing for the sheer enjoyment,” Carl wrote in his H&H column. “When I took Fame to a local grand prix and had such a fun day, it dawned on me: we don’t always need to focus on winning.”

That outing was followed by double victories at Tolbert CDI in the Netherlands: 75.89% in the grand prix and 76.94% in the special.

“He was the easiest horse I’ve ever travelled abroad,” said Carl’s groom Lucy Scudamore. “He loves attention, but he’s quiet about it – although he does love to clap his lips in the wash bay and dance when it’s feed time.”

Fame and En Vogue battle it out

Two more wins followed at Hickstead CDI, where Carl’s other top horse, En Vogue, also returned to action. With Fame scoring 76.33% and En Vogue 75.11%, talk quickly turned to who would be Carl’s ride at the 2023 European Championships.

Carl Hester and Fame finish their grand prix test at the 2023 European Dressage Championships. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“I’ll wait and see,” Carl said. “They’re both fun to ride, and I wouldn’t mind which I took.”

As the season went on, Fame’s results began to edge ahead.

“Doing lots of shows and building him up has paid off,” Carl said. “When I have him relaxed, he’s a dream to ride. He’s talented, with a talented brain.”

Fame went nearly unbeaten in the Europeans lead-up, with only Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep finishing ahead of him at Wellington CDI.

Ultimately, it was his consistency that earned Fame the nod for the championship team. But En Vogue also went on to have a summer to remember, becoming national champion.

A golden summer

The Europeans were a crowning moment for Fame and Carl, with Carl producing a masterclass in the sweltering heat to steer Fame to 78.54% in the grand prix, becoming the overnight leader after day one and helping secure team gold for Britain.

“I absolutely love this horse, I worship him, and I look forward to riding him every day,” Carl told H&H. “He can be both explosive and quiet – but today, he was the perfect mix.”

With just eight months together, Fame was still an unknown quantity at this level.

“Fame was a bit of an unknown in that environment,” said British selector Judy Harvey. “But what a masterful test from Carl – it was a joy to watch him tenderly nurse an insecure horse round and get such a result.”

Carl and Fame went on to finish fifth in the special and capped off the championships with an 85.46% freestyle – the highest score of Carl’s career – on their very first attempt at the format, in front of a sell-out 2,500-strong crowd.

“I can feel the trust we have in each other,” Carl said. “I didn’t know what he’d do, but I felt I could push. We knew there was more in the special, but I didn’t want to disturb it. Today, there was nothing to lose, so I got stuck in.

“I’m so privileged to have a horse like that at this level.”

Paris 2024 and beyond

Carl and Fame were selected for the British team at the 2024 Paris Olympics – a record-equalling seventh Games for Carl.

Now proven campaigners, they led as Britain’s pathfinders in the grand prix, scoring 77.35%.

“Fame’s so clever – it feels like I’m whispering instructions to him around the grand prix, and I love that,” Carl said.

Carl Hester and Fame exit the arena after their grand prix test at the 2023 European Dressage Championships. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

In the grand prix special, which decided the team medals, Carl needed a near-flawless performance to challenge the leaders. But drama struck before he even entered at A, when the bell rang just as Fame passed the judge’s box.

A fragile start followed, with a break in the extended trot. Carl’s trademark tact helped settle Fame, and they recovered to post 76.52%, clinching team bronze for Britain.

They returned to top form in the freestyle, delivering a brilliant test for 85.16% to finish sixth.

“That’s possibly the best freestyle I’ve ever done,” he said. “Fame was the best he’s been all week – I’m so proud of him.”

As always, Carl’s future was a topic of speculation.

“Why shouldn’t I retire after that?” he joked. “I’m not sure I could ever repeat it.

“You can see it two ways – either I’m getting better, or I should get out while I’m ahead. The pressure before competing isn’t easy. Most mornings at 3am, you’re lying there wondering if it’ll be okay. But right now, I’m on a real high.”

But, nine months after Paris, Carl silenced retirement rumours, returning to the ring with Fame to win both the grand prix (77%) and the special (76.94%) at Addington CDI3* – and confirming their aim for the 2025 Europeans.

“Fiona quite rightly said, ‘What’s the point in having a horse like that if you don’t compete him?’” Carl laughed.

“That put me over a barrel – in the best way. Eventually, I had to admit she was right.

“Competing still isn’t my top priority, but Fiona’s been kind enough to let me ride Fame at two championships now, and she loves seeing him out competing – so this is my way of saying thank you.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘Exciting foursome’ named as Britain aims to defend team title at European Dressage Championships

Becky Murray — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 12:04:52 +0000

The terrific trio that delivered an Olympic bronze medal last summer have been named on the British team for the European Dressage Championships – as a newcomer gets ready to make his first full senior championship appearance.

Today (31 July) British Equestrian (BEF) and British Dressage (BD) confirmed the four combinations that will be Britain’s definite entries for the European Dressage Championships, taking place in Crozet, France, from 26 to 31 August.

Last summer’s team of Carl Hester, Becky Moody and Lottie Fry have returned following their success in Paris, where Lottie also won an individual bronze – and they are joined by Andrew Gould, who was travelling reserve at Versailles.

The team chef d’equipe Darrell Scaife said “what an exciting foursome to be taking to France”.

“Carl will be riding in his ninth consecutive Europeans, Lottie has been a team regular since 2019, while for Andrew and Becky, it’s their Euros debut. But all four have considerable experience and with Lottie and Becky featuring the world’s top four and a number of personal best performances from the group this spring, we carry great form to the championships,” he said.

“The horses and riders have one of the best support teams behind them – both at home and via the World Class Programme and I’m looking forward to working with each and every one as we prepare for Crozet and look to successfully defend our team title.”

British team for the 2025 European Dressage Championships

Definite entries for the British Equestrian dressage team, in partnership with Agria, in alphabetical order by athlete surname:

Lottie Fry with 14-year-old stallion Glamourdale

Owners: rider and Van Olst Horses

Breeder: J Rodenburg

Breeding: by Lord Leatherdale, out of a mare by Negro

Groom: Richard Hauwaerts

Andrew Gould with 12-year-old stallion Indigro

Owners: Tatiana and Max Skillman

Breeder: J Deenen

Breeding: by Negro, out of a mare by Jazz

Groom: Natalie Campbell

Carl Hester with 15-year-old stallion Fame

Owners: rider, Fiona Bigwood and Mette Dahl

Breeder: VOFG and M Gerritsen

Breeding: by Bordeaux 28, out of a mare by Rhodium

Groom: Lucy Scudamore

Becky Moody with 11-year-old gelding Jagerbomb

Owners: rider and Jo Cooper

Breeder: rider

Breeding: by Dante Weltino, out of a mare by Jazz

Groom: Kim Masson

Selection decisions are subject to the athlete and horse maintaining fitness and performance, and this list may be amended at any point up to midnight on Tuesday 19 August.

“We’re very excited to have the same team of athletes and horses available from the Paris Olympic Games. Andrew makes the step up from reserve and having that experience to draw on will give him great confidence in his first full senior championship team appearance,” said Judy Harvey, BD international director and chief dressage selector.

“All the horses have continued to improve in the year since Paris, and we head to Crozet excited to see what they can deliver. This is a great group of athletes who will be fully supportive of one another to create an atmosphere conducive to producing top performances. We’re set for a great week – bring it on!”

A BEF spokesperson added that the funding the British Equestrian World Class Programme receives from the National Lottery and UK Sport is “pivotal in preparing our teams for senior championships and supporting them on the ground”.

“British Equestrian is also extremely grateful for the support we enjoy from our partners – Agria, Bates Saddles, Dodson & Horrell, NAF, SEIB and Toggi – and team suppliers – Equi-Trek and Lotus Romeo. We’re indebted for the year-round support they provide to the World Class Programme and British teams, which helps us to best prepare for senior championships,” he said.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘I’ve run out of words’: Carl Hester and Fame hit season-best form ahead of Europeans

Oscar Williams — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:50:12 +0000

Carl Hester and his Olympic team bronze medal-winning ride Fame hit peak form at Hartpury CDI3* as they fine-tuned preparations for the 2025 European Dressage Championships, securing convincing victories in the grand prix (77.3%) and the NAF Superflex freestyle (82.83%).

“Each test just gives you a different feeling, but it’s always a good one with him,” Carl said after the grand prix. “I’ve run out of words to describe him. I love riding him, and I can’t say it enough. He’s a big-time horse, but he’s fun as well. He was out in the field this morning, and then he came here and did this.”

One advantage of competing at Hartpury, Carl noted, is the chance for horses to settle before they head into the main ring. “It’s quite handy here that you get to go in and have a look around before you actually compete. So Fame’s already spooked at the flowers – it’s all done by the time you go in for the test.”

These results were Carl and Fame’s best yet of the three internationals they’ve contested this season. But Carl is already looking ahead.

“I’m hoping for a bit more by the time I get to the Europeans,” he said. “I’ve got one more practice run – not a competition; I’m going to come back here to run through the tests two weeks before leaving.”

Carl praised Hartpury’s support for the British team, singling out equine director Phillip Cheetham. “Phillip and Hartpury are incredibly supportive of our championship teams,” he said. “Whenever I ask if I can make up an arena, he puts the whole lot out for us to come and practise, which is amazing.”

As Becky Moody and Jagerbomb scored a personal best in Aachen the same week, Carl reflected on the team’s prospects at the Europeans.

“It’s going to be an exciting team who could well go all the way if we all get it right on the day,” he said. “I think Andrew [Gould] probably rode himself on to the team in Aachen. He’s been so consistent, and potentially he’s on a 75-plus horse as well.”

And Carl sees opportunities beyond the team contest. “There’s a lot of space for individual medals this year,” he said. “So I’m polishing up my music. I’m a bit sick of the special now!” he added with a grin. “Every year could be your last, so it’d be great to keep getting into that top lot whenever I’m out.”

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‘He gave me peace’: Carl Hester reflects on Uthopia – the remarkable dressage stallion who became his horse of a lifetime

Oscar Williams — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 15:30:25 +0000

Carl Hester has trained and ridden some of the greatest dressage horses in the world. But when asked about the horse of his lifetime – in a feature for Horse & Hound magazine (on sale Thursday 3 July, 2025) and guest edited by eventing star Laura Collett – he doesn’t hesitate: it’s his Olympic team gold medal-winning partner, Uthopia.

The “small, athletic, happy horse” was originally bought for one of Carl’s friends in Ireland before finding his way into Carl’s yard. “I remember he bucked her off, jumped a big hedge and disappeared into the distance!” Carl laughs.

“It’s not his normal character, but when he gets excited – and it’s very rare – he turns into a Ferrari.”

Despite that dramatic first impression, Uthopia quickly proved himself not only talented but a horse with a bright, positive outlook.

Carl Hester on Uthopia: “He was born to do the job”

“He likes people, likes horses, he’s very friendly. It suits him to be where lots is going on,” Carl says.

Laura notes that she had wondered whether Carl might choose Valegro, even though he didn’t compete him at his peak. But for Carl, Uthopia is special because of what his achievements meant to him.

“He was born to do the job, he understood the work easily, and he was an extraordinary mover,” Carl says.

“Early on, I had to learn to sit with him, he had such power, such a big engine; he rode two hands higher. Getting him balanced was the key.”

Carl remembers his first 80% at Fritzens in Austria in 2011, when he won the grand prix special. “There are very few tests you look at and can be entirely satisfied,” he explains. “That’s what dressage is about, trying to achieve 10s in everything you do.”

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After winning the grand prix at the 2011 European Championships, Carl recalls the commentator saying, “He’s an extremely inexperienced horse, and he’s made this look like a walk in the park.”

By the time London 2012 arrived, Uthopia’s steady temperament gave Carl confidence. He never had to worry about the atmosphere, cheering crowds or standing still – “all those tiny details that matter,” Carl adds.

“The team gold was historic, and a first for us all,” he explains. “The grand prix was always his best test; it had all those extended trots he’s famous for,” he adds, remembering the seven perfect 10s for it at the 2011 Europeans as “a joyous moment that showed the world what he was.”

Now 24, Uthopia still has that same positive outlook every day.

“His is the first stable I pass, next to Valegro,” Carl says. “They travelled the world and won medals together. It’s a fitting end.”

What this horse did for Carl was profound.

“In 2012, I’d already been competing for years, trying to build up a team, to win medals,” Carl explains. “And the fact he won me gold and two silvers at the Europeans and gold at the Olympics put my mind at ease: if no success happens ever again, it won’t matter. He gave me peace.”

– To read the full feature, including insights from Ruby Walsh, Nick Skelton and Pippa Funnell, pick up Horse & Hound magazine, guest edited by Laura Collett, available in shops from 3 July, 2025 –

Do you have a special memory of Uthopia that you’d like to share with other H&H readers? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com including your name, nearest town and county for the chance to have it published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine – plus don’t miss further tributes to Valegro and Uthopia in 11 December issue

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‘He’s so special’: Carl Hester and Fame dominate at Wellington CDI as the European preparations ramp up

Oscar Williams — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:02:29 +0000

Carl Hester and Fame continued their build-up to this summer’s European Dressage Championships with a commanding double win at Wellington CDI3*.

Despite a packed Friday crowd (6 June) and torrential rain on Saturday, the pair improved on their Addington CDI3* scores: 77.04% in the grand prix and 77.64% in the special. Carl said he is feeling confident ahead of what could be his 24th championship appearance.

“He loves the job and doesn’t care about things like the rain,” Carl said. “I wasn’t worried, but in our three years together, I’ve never competed with him in the rain – it’s always been very hot, 35ºC-plus – so I had to see how he coped.

“It just shows his maturity and our partnership.”

Their only hiccup came in the grand prix came in the last one-time changes, when 15-year-old Fame, who is owned by Carl, Fiona Bigwood and Mette Dahl, threw in a couple of extras.

“He’s so special – he was like ‘I’ll do ones now!’” Carl said. “He’s so sensitive, and I must have moved a bit quickly.”

But his double-marked canter pirouettes on either side were a highlight, earning nines from the judges. In the special, the pirouettes picked up a 10 from Isobel Wessels at C, as did the final halt.

The piaffe and passage were another standout, never dipping below a seven and averaging over eight across both tests.

“He’s done four tests this year, all around 77%,” Carl added. “I know he’s had these scores before, but for me, the difference is the way he’s using his body now – he’s still powerful and expressive, but he’s much more relaxed.

“He’s hot because he’s a show-off, but he tries so hard not to make a mistake.

“I’ve had lots of great horses in my career, and I’ve always said if he is my last international ride, what a horse to finish on.”

With dominant winning margins of 4.8% and 6.2%, the pair now look near-certainties for summer team selection.

Carl’s Olympic teammates Becky Moody (Jagerbomb) and Lottie Fry (Glamourdale) have also been in top form, but the race for the fourth and final team spot at the Europeans remains wide open.

Selectors are expected to make their final decision following a designated selection meeting at the end of July.

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‘My enthusiasm for riding hasn’t changed’: Olympian Carl Hester silences retirement rumours with a double win at Addington CDI

Oscar Williams — Wed, 07 May 2025 09:26:42 +0000

Carl Hester returned to competition at Addington CDI3*, nine months after the Paris Olympics, where speculation over his retirement had reached its peak.

Although some outlets suggested he might walk away from the sport he helped shape, Carl maintained he simply was not sure. At Addington, he delivered a clear answer: winning both the 17-strong grand prix (77%) and the special (76.94%) with his Olympic ride, Fame.

It was one of the 15-year-old gelding’s owners, Fiona Bigwood, who gave Carl the gentle push he needed to get back between the boards.

“Fiona quite rightly said to me, ‘What’s the point in having a horse like that if you don’t compete him?’” Carl said.

“That put me over a barrel a bit – but in the right way. Eventually, I had to say, ‘You’re quite right,’ and that’s why I decided to give it another go.

“Competing still isn’t top of my list – riding and training have always been my priorities. But at the end of the day, Fiona’s been kind enough to let me ride Fame at two championships now, so you have to say thank you and give something back.

“She loves seeing him out competing, so if I’m going to do it, I have to do the best job I can and try to match Fame’s talent.”

Despite scores trending downwards across the board, Carl’s grand prix score was up on his five-test average, which reaches back to the 2023 European Championships in Riesenbeck. His special score was also close, less than 1% off that average; Fame excelled in the piaffe and passage, scoring several nines.

“He was brilliant in the grand prix. He’s got such infectious enthusiasm – that’s the best part about riding him, and I had some of the best piaffe-passage work I’ve ever done with him in that test,” Carl said.

“The special’s always a bit trickier – there’s more on the long sides, which gives him time to look at all the flowers. He can still be a handful and likes to remind me who’s in charge now and then.

“In the grand prix, there’s much more in the middle of the arena, which helps me manage his quirks a bit better. But overall, I’m delighted with him. Let’s face it, it’s not easy to get scores any more, it’s changing, at home and abroad. Fame hasn’t left the yard since Paris, but he feels great – he seems to be ageing backwards.

“He’s had a lovely winter of hacking and stretching, and he’s very low-maintenance. I always try to ride him first, then he’s in the field all day. He’s constantly moving, but he’s sensible – he doesn’t run around too much.

“He’s great at shows, too. He knows the job, eats, drinks, travels brilliantly, and doesn’t take anything out of himself. I think that’s why he feels so good. I don’t need to push him hard – just keep a lid on him at the shows so he doesn’t get overexcited, and keep chipping away at a few ongoing things, like trying to keep the length in the frame.

“It takes a lifetime’s work to get everything right, but my enthusiasm for riding him hasn’t changed, and his enthusiasm for doing the work hasn’t changed.”

Carl confirmed that this wasn’t a one-off outing – he’s aiming for this summer’s European Championships, and has a schedule of domestic competitions in the lead-up.

“We’ll be doing a masterclass at Windsor, where I’ll get to run through my kür,” he said. “Then Wellington CDI and perhaps Hartpury – but that’s all I’ll do, and hopefully it’ll be enough for the selectors.”

He also emphasised the importance of supporting British fixtures. “I think now, with the cost of travelling, our home CDIs are going to be mostly British affairs,” he said.

“But I still think it’s really important to use them to set an example. It’s lovely to mix with the pony riders, juniors, and young riders – to see them coming through, and for them to be able to watch the grand prix at their own shows. That really matters.”

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‘He will be greatly missed’: farewell to Olympic coach who helped country to 40 championship medals

Becky Murray — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:39:00 +0000

Tributes have been paid to highly respected German dressage coach Jonny Hilberath, who has died aged 69.

Jonny led the German team to silver at the London Olympics, and alongside Monica Theodorescu, was behind 40 championship medals.

A spokesperson for the German equestrian federation said Jonny died yesterday (5 March) following a short and serious illness.

“Jonny was a trainer and instructor with all his heart. His sudden death has left us all very sad and stunned. We will miss him very much,” said Dennis Peiler, the German federation’s managing director of sport.

Jonny’s career started with working horses in rural Kellinghusen, Germany. He began riding, and competed in dressage, showjumping and eventing, before the “decisive turning point” came when he met dressage rider Rosemarie Springer. He trained with Rosemarie, and later Herbert Rehbein, who had “a lasting impact on his sporting career”.

During the early 1990s Jonny rode for Detlef Saul’s stable in Bremehaven, winning a number of grands prix and the 1992 professional dressage championship. In 1995 Jonny and his wife Annika set up in their own yard in Abbendorf, Lower Saxony, where they trained riders from all over the world including Mexico’s Bernadette Pujals, Japan’s Yuko Kitai, Australian rider Hayley Beresford, and Nathalie Hobday from South Africa.

Jonny took on the role of Germany’s dressage team trainer in 2012 following the death of Holger Schmezer, whom he’d been regularly assistant to. Jonny led the German team of Dorothee Schneider, Kristina Sprehe and Helen Langehanenberg to a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics.

The following year Monica Theodorescu took on the role of dressage team trainer, as Jonny wanted to devote more time to his own riding, but his plans changed and he became co-trainer with Monica. Under their training Germany won 40 championship medals, including team and individual gold and individual silver at Paris last summer.

“The news of Jonny’s death has hit me hard. I’m not only losing a great colleague, but also a good friend,” said Monica.

“We had the same philosophy when it came to dressage riding and training, and that always connected us. I will miss him very much.”

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl said Jonny was not only her trainer of the last 14 years, but her “very close and wonderful friend”.

“Jonny, you were such a special horse person who had a great influence on me and supported me so much over many years,” she said.

“I am incredibly sad and will miss you so much. At the same time, I am filled with gratitude for this gift of being able to learn from and with you.”

Carl Hester knew Jonny for more than 35 years, having first met him when Jonny was a work rider at a dealer’s yard in Germany.

“I’ve deeply admired his journey from those early days to becoming the German national trainer, a role he carried with grace, diplomacy, and unwavering respect from all who knew him,” he told H&H.

“Coaching the German team is one of the sport’s most sought-after positions, yet Jonny wore it lightly. He had time for everyone – regardless of nationality – and was always the first to offer congratulations for a well-ridden test. He simply loved good riding and good training, and his presence will be greatly missed.”

Grand prix rider Nicola Buchanan was based with Jonny for “a couple of incredible years”, and said she was “incredibly sad” to hear of his death.

“Jonny was passionate and gave his all when training. He was always so supportive and instrumental in developing my own knowledge and passion for dressage,” said Nicola.

“I will always have fond memories of my time with Jonny and am for ever grateful for the path he forged for me. Sending my deepest condolences and sympathy to his friends, family and loved ones.”

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British Olympic medallists to recreate the magic of Paris at Royal Windsor

Becky Murray — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 17:22:05 +0000

Olympic dressage medallists Becky Moody and Carl Hester will thrill fans at Royal Windsor Horse Show (15-18 May) as they recreate the magic of Paris.

The pair have been named on the line-up of the new Defender Dressage Masterclass, taking place on Thursday 15 May.

The masterclass “moves away from the norm, giving spectators an opportunity to learn from the very best”. The Netherlands’ Dinja Van Liere will join Becky and Carl, and world team silver medallist Richard Davison will present the session, guiding the audience “through the artistic intricacies of freestyle dressage”.

Richard will demonstrate key movements and provide a technical understanding and Becky, Carl and Dinja will perform their Paris Olympic freestyle tests. They will then talk to Richard about their tests, giving a deeper insight into “how technical movements translate into their tests”.

A Royal Windsor spokesperson said the interactive format will not only showcase the skill of these world-class riders but also provide spectators with clear, practical takeaways to “improve their own dressage and flatwork techniques”.

Richard said he is “thrilled” to be presenting the masterclass.

“With three of the world’s best dressage riders taking part, we have a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how fundamental principles come together in a freestyle test to produce something seamless and beautiful,” he said.

“Working alongside Becky, Carl, and Dinja will, I hope, create an engaging and informative experience for all.”

Royal Windsor event director James Shaw said the “new style masterclass with the Olympic freestyle tests” creates a platform that allows elite riders to share their expertise in a tangible and inspiring way with our audience”.

“This promises to be one of the standout moments of the show,” he said.

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‘My life has been such a surprise’: Carl Hester on what he’s learnt during his career

Stephanie Bateman — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 18:30:19 +0000

Multi-Olympic and European medal-winning dressage rider Carl Hester MBE shares his life lessons which include keeping variety, surrounding yourself with positive people and doing what you love most...

Born and bred on the Channel Island of Sark, my parents were a bit shocked when I told them I was embarking on a career in horses. But despite everything, they supported me wholeheartedly. They always told me, “Do what makes you happy.”

Because I came from Sark, I was unaware of the icons of the day, and my trip to the top was very fast. I went to work for “Dr B” (Dr Wilfried Bechtolsheimer) and was competing in a World Championship the following year in 1990.

My first memory of top-class dressage was Nicole Uphoff on Rembrandt because she was there winning gold. It blew my mind, because it was unique how she rode and how elegant her tests were.

My other icons have to be Jennie Loriston-Clarke, who was my first inspiration in dressage, and Richard Davison, who is always so approachable.

The training tip I live by is to get your horse in self-carriage. Back in the early days, when I was training with Bert Rutten, he always advised me that training a horse to grand prix was one thing, but having a horse in self-carriage was the key.

Horses aren’t designed to spend all day in a stable, so on veterinary advice we keep our horses moving, whether that’s through turnout, time on the walker, in-hand grazing or in-hand walking. And training on different surfaces keeps your horse’s tendons and ligaments strong and able to cope with the demands of different terrain.

Luckily, I have had other equestrian experience other than dressage, such as eventing, so I’ve always realised that the happiest horses are the ones who want to do it, and that comes through variety.

Carl Hester: “It’s not life or death”

When it comes to what I do on a competition day, everyone is different and what works for one person, won’t work for another. For me, I try to surround myself with positive people who stop me thinking about the competition ahead – I feel that is best dealt with when you’re on board.

Before I enter the arena I try to think, “This is only dressage”. It’s not a life-or-death situation. I remember this and it helps take the pressure off.

I don’t wish I’d known anything when I was 16, because my life has been such a surprise. I had no idea what I wanted to do, who I wanted to be or what path I wanted to go down. Every year has been a surprise and I’d rather that than “I wish I’d known”.

The horse I wish I had now would have to be Escapado, who finished third in the special at the European Championships in 2005. He was the first top horse I had on my own. He was fairly highly strung and I did everything I could in those days to make the best of what I had.

I wish I’d had the knowledge and experience I have now because although he was a very hot type of horse, he still could have been even better.

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Bid on training with Ros Canter and Laura Collett or a Carl Hester yard tour in silent auction

Pippa Roome — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:59:09 +0000

Unique lots such as training with British Olympic gold medallists are on offer in a Performance Mentoring Programme (PMP) silent auction.

Renowned eventing coach Caroline Moore set up PMP at the beginning of 2024 to offer fully funded support to young event riders and developing coaches in areas such as business, technical skills, horsemanship and the ability to be successful in the industry. She aims to raise £25,000 with the PMP auction.

Lots in the auction include training with 2024 Olympic team gold medallists Laura Collett and Ros Canter – a PMP mentor – and a day’s eventing with JL Dublin, a team gold medallist with Tom McEwen in Paris.

Other riders offering lessons and training camps in the auction include 14-time five-star winner William Fox-Pitt, PMP-supported riders Emma Thomas and Phoebe Locke and five-star competitors Emilie Chandler and Kylie Roddy. There are also opportunities to snap up sessions with British team coaches Christopher Bartle, Dickie Waygood and Ian Woodhead.

Bidding is now open

Or do you fancy learning from a top-class groom? Ros’s travelling groom Sarah Charnley is offering a day of her time and skill at a competition or at home.

If a holiday is more your thing, you can bid on mini break or a residential riding holiday or hunting fans can try their luck for a day with the Quorn. If the British five-stars are your passion, you could win a behind-the-scenes experience at Badminton Horse Trials with rider Aaron Millar or a VIP package at Burghley Horse Trials.

Other celebrity lots include yard tours with dressage multiple medallist Carl Hester, lunch with British Horse Society president Martin Clunes and a tennis racquet signed by tennis star Sir Andy Murray.

Under-25 national champion Emma Thomas has had support through the PMP this year and described it as “incredible”, including funding for training, sports psychology, talks and personal training.

“It’s educating us to be better athletes and better eventers,” said Emma, adding that she was “immediately taken care of” when she was kicked in the build-up to Burghley this year and needed assistance such as physio to ensure she could compete at the event.

The auction is open until 9.30pm on Saturday 23 November and there are 72 lots on offer.

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Charlotte Dujardin’s top ride Imhotep sold – in move Carl Hester confirms was always on the cards

Becky Murray — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 12:19:12 +0000

Charlotte Dujardin’s top ride Imhotep has been sold – in a move Carl Hester has confirmed to H&H had always been planned for after the Paris Olympics.

As reported by Eurodressage this week, 11-year-old gelding Imhotep, owned by Coral Ingham and Carl, had been sold to 28-year-old Austrian rider Diana Porsche.

The news follows the sale of Charlotte’s ride Times Kismet to Jessica von Bredow-Werndl’s partners for Jessica to campaign, but Carl told H&H he wanted it be clear that the sale of “Pete” was always on the cards – and that he and Charlotte were “fully supportive and in agreement”.

“There’s no sinister, awful situation. Between Charlotte, myself and Coral, we always kept Pete for the Olympic Games and he was always going to be sold afterwards,” he said.

“Coral has been the one who has supported us as his owner. We kept him [for Paris] and obviously things didn’t turn out as we hoped. We’d been speaking to Diana in May, she asked if we’d consider selling him, and we said ‘This could be a horse for you’.

“The timing could have been more ideal, especially with Kismet being sold, and those things happen. But this was always going to happen and unfortunately Kismet went first, which made this look a bit more weird – but it’s not weird at all.”

Carl bought Pete (by Everdale and out of Vivaldi mare Della D’ottie) as a youngster from the Netherlands after Henry Boswell sent him a video. He was first competed by Robert Barker, then Sadie Smith, and Charlotte took over the reins in 2020. Charlotte and Pete won four classes at the nationals in 2021, and made their international debut together at Compiegne the following year.

Charlotte and Pete were part of the British team that won silver at the World Championships in Herning in 2022. At the 2023 Europeans they were part of the gold medal-winning team, and won individual silver and two bronze medals, with a +91% in the freestyle. Following the Europeans, Charlotte and Pete won every time they competed; the London International 2023 and the Hagen, Hickstead, and Wellington CDIs this year.

Diana has represented Austria at six young rider championships from 2013 to 2021, and Carl believes she is a good match for Pete.

“Diana is a young rider, she’s talented, and she’s very interested in how we keep Pete and how our lifestyle is for the horses. She studied all the tests he’s done, and I’m really excited for her. He’s only 11, she’s only in her 20s, and hopefully they’ll have a nice long career together,” said Carl.

“She was thrilled and said Charlotte has done such an amazing job with her training of the horse, and what a well-rounded, grounded horse he is. Diana rode him beautifully, it’s a perfect opportunity for us and for her to have a horse to go forward with.

“My biggest concern was how he would be kept, when he was coming from here and how much he likes his field life and hacking, and Diana can do all of that. It was the perfect lifestyle and perfect rider, we get on, so we’re all happy to see how the future goes for her.”

Carl added that “Diana has our blessing”.

“She’s going to keep in touch and we’re going to help her out with anything she might need to know, or training or anything like that,” he said.

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What Carl Hester really said about his retirement after winning bronze at Paris Olympics

Martha Terry — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 08:31:33 +0000

As soon as Carl Hester won his team bronze medal in the Olympic dressage at Paris 2024, talk inevitably turned to his retirement. This was the 57-year-old’s seventh Olympic Games, and his fourth medal in the past four renewals. He described his freestyle on Fame in Versailles as “possibly the best I’ve ever done”. Their score of 85.16% was indeed, just a fraction below his best ever freestyle mark. Would this be his final flourish?

But as far as officially announcing his retirement, as some news outlets have claimed, this is still in the balance. Don’t forget, we had the same situation after Rio – when it was mooted that both Carl and Valegro would retire. Eight years on, the man is still here, and “on a real high”.

What he said in Paris neither confirmed nor denied his plans for the future. Directly after the freestyle, a reporter said to him: “If this is going to be your swansong, what a way to go out.”

Carl responded: “Exactly, why should I not retire after that? I’m not sure I could repeat that. That’s the problem.”

Reporter said: “So it would be a high if you did go out?

Carl replied: “Well, there’s two ways of looking at it. Either I’m getting better because today was my best day. Or I should stop there and not watch the downfall.”

It was an ambiguous response made with the adrenaline still flowing. He added that John Whitaker – who was in the running for Paris selection at the age of 69 – is an inspiration.

Carl Hester takes stock regarding retirement plans

However, it is clear that he will take stock after what has been the most turbulent fortnight of his career, with the highs of winning an Olympic medal following the low of the release of the Charlotte Dujardin video. The pressure has been monumental, and with Britain’s recent success on top of Charlotte’s suspension, it has been intensified.

“It’s been a difficult time and it wasn’t until we went up the middle that I suddenly took a deep breath and thought, ‘I’m here, enjoy it, you never know if it’s going to be your last’,” he said after the grand prix.

“A lot of people felt that if Charlotte [Dujardin] wasn’t on the team then we wouldn’t be successful as she has contributed so much,” said Carl, “so it was important for us to show we could.

“But this feeling that you have, for days on end before you compete, I can tell you is not easy to live with. Most mornings at 3am you’re lying there with your eyes wide open thinking about if it’s going to be OK. Luckily for riders, once you’re on the horse, all that pressure disappears, but it’s the 23 hours of not riding in between that you’re left to think about everything.

“Every Olympics does get tougher because of expectations so the first, 32 years ago, was definitely the best,” he added.

He hinted about life after competing, but again he has done so many times before.

“I would not be getting out of the sport, I would just train more and teach more,” he said. “I love training and riding. I love training people. That’s my passion.”

Perhaps most poignantly, the song he chose – Those Were The Days – for his last centre line in Versailles does have an element of finality to it.

“Those were the days, my friendWe thought they’d never endWe’d sing and dance forever and a dayWe’d live the life we chooseWe’d fight and never loseThose were the days, oh yes, those were the days.”

Carl should be afforded the space and time to make this decision on his terms. For whatever follows, he has revolutionised the face of dressage in Britain. Whether as a rider or trainer, long may it continue.

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‘Why should I not retire after that?’: Carl Hester and Fame deliver spectacular Olympic dressage freestyle performance

Oscar Williams — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 10:49:55 +0000

Carl Hester and Fame were in top form in the Paris 2024 Olympic dressage freestyle producing a spectacular test to score 85.16% – a fraction below Carl’s all-time personal best – to go into the provisional lead with just six combinations left to go.

“That’s possibly the best freestyle I’ve ever done,” said a delighted Carl. “The horse was the best he’s been all week – I’m so proud of how he performed today.”

Fame looked spectacular, so well turned out by his groom Lucy Scudamore, and it was touching to see Gareth Hughes, who has flown out to Paris to help Carl prepare, be the first to congratulate his long-term teammate as he left the arena.

Their floor plan was so technical, with two-time changes on a curve into a double pirouette, steep passage half-passes and two-time into one-time changes.

The extensions, which tripped them up yesterday, were spot on this time around and their piaffe-passage to Mary Hopkin’s Those Were the Days at the end of their test was a masterstroke that got the crowd on their feet clapping along.

“I love this music,” added Carl. “Tom Hunt has done my music for the last few Olympics, I normally just give him a programme and he says ‘I’m going to do this, do you like it?’ whereas this time I thought I want some music that means something to me and is just, you know, fun.

“It was a wonderful ride, he’s not the easiest shape as you can see, I’m trying to ride the whole time with my hand out there to try and get him longer because that’s what I’ve been working on for eight years – but it’s all coming together.”

Carl’s future was once again a hot topic of discussion.

“Why should I not retire after that?” he laughed, “I’m not sure I could repeat that again!

“There’s two ways of looking at it, either I’m getting better because today was my best day or I should get out now before it all goes downhill. But this feeling that you have for days on end before you compete, I can tell you it’s not easy to live with, for any of us.

“Most mornings at three o’clock you’re lying there with your eyes wide open thinking about if it’s going to be okay – but right now I’m on a real high.”

Lottie Fry and Glamourdale will be the last British combination to go in the freestyle, entering the arena in Versailles at 12.50pm local time (11.50am British time). Becky Moody and Jagerbomb scored 84.36% on their Olympic freestyle debut.

* End of individual dressage update *

Carl finished in sixth place, with Becky in eighth. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl won gold, ahead of Isabell Werth in silver, with Lottie Fry taking bronze.

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Paris Olympic dressage freestyle times: when will the Brits and other favourites tussle for individual medals?

Martha Terry — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 06:48:38 +0000

The Paris Olympic dressage times for Sunday’s (4 August) grand prix freestyle have now been released. From an original 60, this final will feature 18 competitors, who qualified from the grand prix earlier in the week. All three Brits made the cut to bid for individual medals.

The competition opens at 10am local time (9am British time), with Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Touchdown, who won the World Cup Final in Riyadh in April.

The final rider is the Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, who is due in with Freestyle at 1.20pm local time (12.20pm British time).

If you would like to watch your favourite riders compete in the dressage at the Paris Olympic Games, find out how you can follow on TV from anywhere in the world with our comprehensive guide.

What are the Olympic grand prix freestyle dressage times for the British riders?

Carl Hester and Fame at 11.35am local time (10.35am British time)
Becky Moody on Jagerbomb at 11.55am local time (10.55am British time)
Lottie Fry and Glamourdale at 12.50 local time (11.50am British time)

Who else should you watch?

There are three groups of six riders.

Germany’s Frederic Wandres on Bluetooth OLD at 11.15am local time (10.15am British time)
The Netherlands’ Emmelie Scholtens on Indian Rock at 11.45am local time (10.45am British time)
Denmark’s Daniel Bachmann Andersen on Vayron at 12.05pm local time (11.05am British time)
Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald on Zepter at 12.30pm local time (11.30am British time)
Germany’s Isabell Werth on Wendy at 12.40pm local time (11.40am British time)
The Netherlands’ Dinja van Liere on Hermes at 1pm local time (12pm British time)
Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on TSF Dalera BB at 1.10pm local time (12.10pm British time)
Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour on Freestyle at 1.20pm local time (12.20pm British time)

What are the breaks during the sessions?

There are two short breaks during this 3hr 20min session. The first is after Therese Nilhagen (Dante Weltino OLD) finishes her test around 11am local time (10am British time), resuming at 11.15am local time (10.15am British time).

The second break is after Daniel Bachmann Andersen finishes around 12.15pm local time (11.15am British time), resuming at 12.30pm local time (British time).

Olympic grand prix freestyle times: complete list

The full times are listed below.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

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‘I smiled and said merci!’: Carl Hester and Fame’s rollercoaster ride in the Olympic dressage team competition

Oscar Williams — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 12:07:54 +0000

Carl Hester and Fame were second to go for the British team in the Paris 2024 Olympic dressage grand prix special, scoring 76.52% to finish third in their group.

Carl had an expensive mistake in the second extended trot, with Fame breaking into canter. Before going to Paris Carl told H&H that the extensions were a movement he was going to push in, but on this occasion, it didn’t quite come off.

Despite being disappointed, Carl did a fantastic job of bringing their score back up using all his experience. He maintained his composure and steadily worked through each of the following movements with precision.

“I had a fragile start,” admitted Carl after his test. “He was still brilliant, but he was so spooky in the beginning I couldn’t get along the sides.

“Of course, everything in this test happens on the side, and I was next to the judge when he rang the bell and [Fame] immediately jumped sideways – I smiled and said ‘Merci!’

“So he was a little nervous at the beginning, but to think [of the score] he went down to at the beginning of the test because of the mistakes and then come back up with all these good marks.

“Of course, we all want to win gold, but after the week we’ve had, if we get a medal as a team we’ll be feeling united and excited.”

Thanks to Becky Moody and Jagerbomb topping the first group on a personal best of 76.49% Britain is still in medal contention, but no longer in pole position.

“Watching Becky this morning was very emotional for me,” Carl added. “She went beyond what we expected. That made my life a little bit easier because even when something went wrong in my test, I still knew I had Becky’s score behind me and I had a bit of leeway because she had been so brilliant.”

While it would’ve taken something spectacular here to keep Britain’s gold sweep in the equestrian events going, the team has opened a sizeable margin between themselves and the Netherlands in fourth.

Going into the last group Germany currently sits first on 155.836, Denmark second on 154.453, with the British team on 153.009.

That means Lottie Fry and Glamourdale will need to finish almost 3% ahead of Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (TSF Dalera BB) and Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (Freestyle) in the all-star final group to secure team gold – stranger things have happened, but they’ll be relying on the top two scorers from the grand prix making a mistake.

They’ll be riding down the centre line at 3.05pm local time (2.05pm British time).

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Paris Olympic dressage grand prix special times: when are the Brits and other team medal contenders in action?

Martha Terry — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 08:45:57 +0000

The Paris Olympic dressage times for Saturday’s (3 August) grand prix special have now been released, following the conclusion of the grand prix qualifier.

Ten of the 20 original nations have qualified for the special at Paris 2024, which decides the team medals. It kicks off at 10am local time (9am British time) with Jayden Brown on Quincy B, for Australia, the final team to make the cut.

The grand prix special all takes place on one day. The final rider is the defending Olympic champion Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, who is due in with TSF Dalera BB at 3.25pm local time (2.25pm British time).

There are three rotations of 10 seeded riders, with one from each nation. As Britain qualified third, they are third last in each group. The grand prix winners, Germany, go last.

If you would like to watch your favourite riders compete in the dressage at the Paris Olympic Games, find out how you can follow on TV from anywhere in the world with our comprehensive guide.

What are the Olympic grand prix special dressage times for the British riders?

Becky Moody on Jagerbomb at 11.10am local time (10.11pm British time)
Carl Hester and Fame at 1.05pm local time (12.05pm British time)
Lottie Fry and Glamourdale at 3.05pm local time (2.05pm British time)

Who else should you watch?

Denmark’s Daniel Bachmann-Andersen on Vayron at 11.20am local time (10.20am British time)
Germany’s Frederic Wandres on Bluetooth OLD at 11.30am local time (10.30am British time)
Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg-Merrald at 1.15pm local time (12.15pm British time)
Germany’s Isabell Werth on Wendy at 1.25pm local time (12.25pm British time)
Sweden’s Patrik Kittel on Touchdown at 2.25pm local time (1.25pm British time)
Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour on Freestyle at 3.15pm local time (2.15pm British time)
Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on TSF Dalera BB at 3.25pm local time (2.25pm British time)

What are the breaks during the sessions?

There are two 25min breaks, after the first two groups of 10 riders.

The first break is after Frederic Wandres completes, and resumes with Australia’s William Matthew (Mysterious Star) at 11.55am local time (10.55 British time).

The second break is after Isabell Werth completes, and resumes with Australia’s Simone Pearce (Destano) at 1.55pm local time (12.55pm British time).

Olympic grand prix special dressage times: complete list

The full times are listed below.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, HOYS and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘We’ve got to put the horses first’: Carl Hester on the sport’s challenges – and the Charlotte Dujardin video

Becky Murray — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:26:49 +0000

“We have to show the positives of the sport,” was the message from Carl Hester at the Paris Olympics, as he addressed the Charlotte Dujardin video – and the challenges facing equestrian sport.

Following Carl’s grand prix test this morning with the wonderful Fame, which slotted them into third of the group A riders on 77.35%, he tackled the topic of his former teammate.

Last week Charlotte Dujardin withdrew from the dressage team for the Paris Olympics owing to an “error of judgement”, in a coaching session some years ago, captured in a video. Charlotte was suspended by the FEI pending the outcome of the investigation/disciplinary proceedings, and British Equestrian mirrored the suspension.

Carl said the video was “a huge shock to me” and confirmed he was not previously aware of it. The video was not filmed at his property.

“Charlotte’s made her statement, and she’s apologised and given her thoughts on it, which I respect. It’s now an ongoing investigation with the FEI,” said Carl.

“I’ve known Charlotte for 17 years, she’s a mum, and she’s paid very heavily for this in a way that you just wouldn’t believe. I know she will have to accept what the FEI gives her, and she will, but I just hope that she’s strong enough to be able to come back from that. Nobody’s going to support [what was seen in the video]. You can’t. But my personal opinion of Charlotte over 17 years – I have not seen that.”

Carl added that he has not seen Charlotte as he has been in Paris, but he said he knew that things are “very, very difficult” for her.

“She’s surrounded by people who are trying to help her. She obviously accepts what she did and I’m glad she’s done that. And everyone can see she’s done that,” he said.

“This was four years ago, people do make mistakes. Right now it’s going to be a long road for her, and a lesson for everybody in the horse world. We’ve got to put the horses first and show that.”

Moving forwards, Carl said that “we have to show the positives of the sport”.

“We can show how much we love our horses, and how we train them,” he said. “As we see from the sport here in Paris; the last few days we’ve seen amazing sport and we’ve seen the care that everyone’s getting, the grooms here are incredibly hard working, how they love and look after the horses. And I hope that really starts to show.”

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‘I’ve got to think about the team now’: Carl Hester puts pressure to one side to ride composed Olympic grand prix dressage test

Oscar Williams — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:59:25 +0000

Following what has no doubt been a tumultuous week for Carl Hester after the suspension of Charlotte Dujardin, the British dressage star managed to put all that pressure to one side to ride a composed, mistake-free test on Fiona Bigwood’s Fame (Bordeaux x Rhodium) to score 77.35% in the Paris 2024 Olympic dressage grand prix.

Carl’s score puts him in third in the first group of riders to go, behind Nanna Skodborg-Merrald (Zepter) and Dinja van Liere (Hermes). That means he hasn’t qualified for the freestyle as one of the top two combinations in his group, but his score should easily be enough to see him through as one of the six next-highest overall scores.

Eighteen combinations will qualify for Sunday’s freestyle, which will decide the individual medals.

“I haven’t competed Fame since Wellington, so it’s been a couple of months,” Carl said following his test.

“I got him because he’s a hot number to ride and Fiona knows I love that sort of horse. I don’t care whether I’m first, second or third, I care about the ride I get off him.

“He’s so genuine, it feels like I’m riding around the grand prix just whispering little instructions to him, he’s that clever – and I love that about him.

“Maybe I should have gone for it a little more, but I think this was a better way to start and I’ll build up as the week goes on.”

Competing at a British record-equalling seventh Games, Carl entered the arena to warm applause. Fame was a little tense to start his test but Carl managed it well, and the combination grew into their performance.

“There are a few things to improve but this is the qualification so it’s a good start for us,” Carl added. “I’m glad to be able to go in there after everything that’s been going on and to actually be able to relax and enjoy it.

“It’s been a difficult time and it wasn’t until we went up the middle that I suddenly took a deep breath and thought ‘I’m here, enjoy it, you never know if it’s going to be your last’.”

Carl explained that his partnership with Fame has improved since the Europeans last summer.

“I don’t worry that he might not do it anymore, I know him very well now. He’s a horse but he’s also the ideal pet, anybody could look after him or ride him.

“He has a beautiful character and he’s so straightforward. I ride him four times a week at home and then he goes in the field all day long next to all his other friends.

“He’s this high-powered competition horse when he comes here, but when he gets home on Monday he just turns back into a pet again.”

Becky Moody and Jagerbomb will be the next British combination to go at 4.11pm local time today (3.11pm British time), with Lottie Fry and Glamourdale competing tomorrow at 10am local time (9am British time).

“I think now we’re probably looking at [team] bronze if it goes well, but we’ve got three great horses and I know the girls are excited,” Carl said.

“I made sure to put everything out of my head and just do my best performance so that the two girls can then go in and try to relax and enjoy it.”

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Paris Olympic grand prix dressage times: when do the Brits and other medal contenders start?

Martha Terry — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 07:48:50 +0000

The Paris Olympic dressage times for the grand prix have now been released.

The dressage competition at the Paris Olympics kicks off with this qualifier that takes place over two days, Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 July. It starts at 11am local time (10am British time) on Tuesday with Austria’s Stefan Lehfellner on Roberto Carlos MT.

Britain’s Lottie Fry, the reigning world champion will be first into the arena on Wednesday, at 10am local time (9am British time). The final rider is the defending Olympic champion Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, who is due in with TSF Dalera BB at 3.20pm local time (2.20pm British time) on Wednesday, meaning these two favourites are bookending the second day of competition.

Britain is drawn seventh of the 15 nations, with Austria starting first. Within each rotation, when horses start depends on recent rankings, so a top championship horse that competes rarely may well be drawn earlier than horses that compete more frequently. All the horses and riders will compete in this grand prix.

Some of the timings are on 30sec past the minute, so we have given you the minute on the dot rather than the half-minute to avoid confusion.

If you would like to watch your favourite riders compete in the dressage at the Paris Olympic Games, find out how you can follow on TV from anywhere in the world with our comprehensive guide.

What are the Olympic grand prix dressage times for the British riders?

Carl Hester and Fame on Tuesday at 12.25pm local time (11.25am British time)
Becky Moody on Jagerbomb on Tuesday at 4.11pm local time (3.11pm British time)
Lottie Fry and Glamourdale on Wednesday at 10am local time (9am British time)

Who else should you watch?

Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald on Zepter on Tuesday at 11.09am local time (10.09am British time)
The Netherlands’ Dinja van Liere on Hermes on Tuesday at 11.19am local time (10.19am British time)
Ireland’s Abi Lyle on Giraldo on Tuesday at 1.38pm local time (12.38pm British time)
Sweden’s Patrik Kittel on Touchdown on Tuesday at 4.20pm local time (3.20pm British time)
Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour on Freestyle on Wednesday at 10.38am local time (9.38am British time)
Germany’s Isabell Werth on Wendy on Wednesday at 11.25am local time (10.25am British time)
Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on TSF Dalera BB on Wednesday at 3.20pm local time (2.20pm British time)

What are the breaks during the sessions?

Riders are drawn in six groups of 10 with a 30–35min break between each group. There are three groups on each day.

Day one, Tuesday, starts at 11am local time (10am British time) and the last horse goes at 4.20pm local time (3.20pm British time).

Times are an hour earlier on day two, Wednesday, which starts at 10am local time (9am British time) and the last horse goes at 3.20pm local time (2.20pm British time).

Olympic grand prix dressage times: complete list

The full times are listed below.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Royal International Horse Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘It’s a completely different pressure’: Carl Hester on competing at his seventh Games

Oscar Williams — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 07:30:12 +0000

Carl Hester will make history at Paris 2024 by becoming the second British athlete, following Nick Skelton, to compete in seven Olympics. As he tells Horse & Hound, a lot has changed since his first in Barcelona in 1992.

“Barcelona feels like so long ago, it’s bizarre,” he says. “Those Games felt like I was just doing a bit of sport on holiday because the Olympic Village was on a beach – it was fun and I didn’t have any expectations.

“Of course, we were serious when it came to the riding and wanted to do well, but I didn’t appreciate what went into the sport back then.

“I’d only been competing at grand prix for just over two years, and in those days I was just learning to steer my way around a test rather than the horsemanship behind it and the training.”

Carl adds that as Britain’s performances on the big stage have improved the pressure has built and built. He, of course, now not only has to look after himself and his Paris-ride Fame, but also help his teammate Charlotte Dujardin with Imhotep.

“In a way, that’s good because at an Olympics you have so much time to kill thinking about competition,” he explains. “So I’m actually very lucky that I have something to focus on in Charlotte.”

Where Charlotte always tries to block the pressure out, I get the sense that Carl takes that pressure on for the team and feels responsible for them.

“It’s not nerves, it’s more angst,” he says. “The pressure is different now because we’ve been winning medals and the expectation is high all the time.

“We’re an experienced team and with the horses we’ve got at the moment, we feel like if we didn’t come home with a medal we’d have lost it.

“In these last few weeks I have to make sure we’re not overtraining and we’re keeping it all calm but, of course, human nature is that you want to keep practising and practising – trying to make everything better. There are so many factors involved and, as always, I’m looking forward to it all being over!”

Carl Hester on taking risks at the Paris Olympics

Carl and Charlotte’s preparations have been almost perfect and both Fame and Imhotep – as well as fellow team rider Lottie Fry and Glamourdale – look to be peaking at the right time. But Denmark and Germany also look very strong.

Carl expects it to be a close battle between the three, and with no drop scores at the Olympics, there’s an added edge of uncertainty and tension.

“It creates a huge pressure because you know you can’t afford for anything to go wrong,” Carl adds.

I ask if that changes his approach to how he rides the test.

“It’s very difficult for me at this point to change my way of riding. I think it would be safe to say that I’m not as competitive as the others because I’m always working on my harmony and trying to make it all look nice.