Charlotte Dujardin Sells Fernandez to Denmark

Dressage

British Dressage News

British team gold medal winning Charlotte Dujardin has sold her Grand Prix horse Fernandez to Norwegian team rider Cathrine Rasmussen who is based in Denmark. Dujardin received massive offers on her horse already early this spring when she made her international Grand Prix debut. She eventually caved in to one she could not refuse.

Fernandez is an 11-year old Westfalian Fernandez is by Florestan x Weinberg. Early in January 2011 Dujardin's employer and trainer Carl Hester competed the chestnut at the CDI Zwolle and CDI Vidauban to get him introduced to the international scene. Charlotte herself competed Carl's Valegro in the small tour at Zwolle, but quickly made the transition to Grand Prix in Addington in April, followed by Saumur, Fritzens and Hickstead to make it on the British team for the 2011 European Championships.

Even though Charlotte rose to stardom with Valegro, her own Fernandez certainly proved his worth as a very strong second Grand Prix horse, scoring 70+ marks at the CDIO Aachen. He was also a high scorer at the CDI Addington and CDI Hagen.

Charlotte Dujardin and Fernandez Unlike most elite riders in the world, Dujardin can not rely on huge family wealth nor sponsors to support her dressage career. Top money for her horse would bring financial relief and security for her future and the decision to sell was only a logical one.

"I've just done the hardest thing and that is saying good bye to my best friend in the whole world Fernandez," Dujardin explained. "I owe every thing to him. He is the most amazing horse I could have ever owed, perfect in every way and whenever things get tough he always puts a smile on my face. I will never forget all the wonderful things we have achieved together from novice to grand prix."

Fernandez will make the trip to Rasmussen's Kleppenhus farm in Denmark on Tuesday 13 September 2011.