Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro head for the Big Apple
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro are set to make a special appearance in New York later this month.
The Rio Olympic gold medallists will perform a freestyle demonstration at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show on 24 September.
“Yes that’s right, Blueberry and I will have some fun dancing under the New York skyline later this month,” said Charlotte on her Facebook page on Sunday (11 September). “Really hope to meet some of you there!”
The record-breaking combination had been set to compete at last year’s event, but the decision was made to withdraw Valegro as the date came too soon after the 2015 FEI European Championships.
However the crowds were still treated to the iconic How to Train your Dragon freestyle routine, which Charlotte rode as a demo on Evi Strasser’s Renaissance Tyme.
“We can’t wait to see Charlotte and Valegro perform under the New York City skyline at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show,” said event founder Mark Bellissimo, chief executive of International Equestrian Group.
“They have millions of fans around the world, and our spectators will not be disappointed by seeing this stunning pair in action in the world’s greatest city.”
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The show runs from 21-25 September in Wollman Rink at New York City’s Central Park.
On the Friday (23 September), the US Olympic bronze medal-winning dressage team will be honoured in a special ceremony.
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“We want to honor the US dressage team and help promote the sport of dressage in the United States,” said Mr Bellissimo.
“[Major sponsors] Antonia Johnson and Fritz and Claudine Kundrun have been huge supporters of dressage in this country, and this event, and we are hopeful that we can showcase these great horses and riders in this world-renowned destination. We appreciate and value their support.”
Riders expect to compete at the US Open CDI include Ireland’s Judy Renolds, seven-time Olympian Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén and FEI World Cup final competitor Charlotte Jorst.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.