Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro with Carl Hester and Alan Davies during Valegro retirement ceremony during the Olympia International Horse Show at Olympia, London, UK; on 14 December 2016
Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin are “honoured and humbled” to hear they will receive a prestigious award for their contribution to equestrianism.
Later this year the riders will be presented with the Médaille de l’École d’Èquitation Espagnole de Vienne, an honour awarded for riding according to the principles of classical horsemanship.
Carl and Charlotte will receive the award during the Fete Imperiale, the summer ball of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, an event referred to as “the most beautiful summer ball in the world” by the New York Times.
“It’s incredible to receive this prestigious award from such a distinguished school,” said Carl. “I have loved producing horses all of my life, so to be recognised for this award is an honour and I am very grateful to the committee for this privilege.
“I look forward to attending the ball in June with Charlotte and to being a part of such a beautiful event.”
The Spanish Riding School dates back 451 years and some of the world’s most distinguished riders trained there.
A specialised jury, chaired by Sissy Max-Theurer, selected the award winners.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“I was thrilled to hear that Carl and I are to receive this award,” added Charlotte. “I am so passionate about our horses so to receive this honour from the Spanish Riding School, an institution that inspires millions, is so humbling and I thank the committee so much for recognising us in this way.
Take a look around this super-glamorous, exclusive show
“Carl has been my mentor, trainer and friend for over 10 years now so I look forward to sharing this special occasion with him.”
The honorary committee of the Spanish Riding School will also award the Prix de l’École d’Équitation Espagnole de Vienne to an international equestrian, yet to be announced, who has made an outstanding contribution to equestrian sport and horse breeding.
The award depicts a stallion performing a levade and is made of 12,527 Swarovski crystals.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.
