Dressage star Charlotte Dujardin has explained why she could never eventand the importance of hard work for achieving your dreams.
The record-breaking rider spoke candidly in an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour this morning (23 March).
Presenter Jane Garvey quizzed Charlotte on why she chose dressage over the other Olympic disciplines.
“With eventing there is so much to think about. You have the dressage, showjumping and cross-country, which I actually find terrifying,” Charlotte said. “There’s no way you would get me jumping over those jumps.
“I can jump height but it’s the drops [which daunt me]. Sometimes when horses jump they can’t see over the fence or don’t know how deep water is. The amount of trust that takes is beyond me, I certainly wouldn’t be able to do that.”
Charlotte also spoke of her childhood with horses and how hard work and dedication got her to where she is today.
“It was really important for me to write my book to share what has gone on and how much hard work [I have put in] and the fact that I have come from a normal background,” she said.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“I’ve had to work really hard to achieve my goals, it’s not having a privileged childhood, it’s all about hard work.”
She said having a trusting partnership with your horse is essential to success.
Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester may not have been competing at Olympia 2017, but they captivated the crowds with their
“The horse is like a partner,” Charlotte said. “You have this incredible relationship and you build so much trust. For me when I was riding Valegro I felt like he had given me absolutely everything he had.”
Jane acknowledged Valegro’s beauty and Charlotte agreed, adding that he has a face “like a seahorse”.
“He is an incredible character, he loves eating but also training. He loves to work and to do his best. He gives you so much confidence.”
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday
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.
