Valegro's emotional farewell ceremony at the 2016 CDI-W London on Wednesday night 14 December 2016 has dominated the headlines in the equestrian and sport press for a weeks. Last night's ceremony was emotional for all attending and huge masses of dressage lovers tuned into FEI TV to watch the live stream. Eurodressage has collected a few statements from the media and is posting a photo report from the ceremony.
Carl Hester was a major part of the evening’s retirement ceremony for Valegro. “It has been such a joyous occasion,” said Hester. “I know everyone thought it would be sad, but how could anyone be sad to see Valegro go out so fit and well and happy – it’s been a happy-sad day.”
British Dressage posted: "Carl may have dominated tonight’s class but it was Valegro put the audience throught emotional spectrum. It was every bit as emotional as predicted when he performed his iconic London freestyle. Without the pressure of competition, Charlotte was free to let fly and the 14 year old looked fresher than ever and the most stunning extended trot wowed everyone…not a dry eye in the house and they left the arena to a standing ovation. The evening closed with his official retirement and it was a fitting tribute to a horse that has given the world of dressage his everything. We’ll never see another like him – the horse who has everything; the talent, the personality, the build, the paces, the temperament, and above all, the ability to steal our hearts. Good bye Blueberry."
Horse and Hound's dressage editor Alice Collins chimed in with the emotions shared by all (Brits) attending and expressed that Dujardin's choice to re-ride her 2012 Olympic freestyle was "a ballsy decision". "Watching Charlotte set sail for her freestyle, I wondered whether she might scrimp on the changes, the one area where Valegro has sometimes made mistakes in tests. But no. She rode nine two-time changes on a curving line and 15 perfect (and I hate the gratuitous over-use of the word perfect) one-times. Tonight, after a fault-free rendition of their London 2012 gold medal winning freestyle, Charlotte dropped both reins to wave to the adoring sell-out crowd. Valegro stretched his neck and pricked his ears. The judges all chose to take their places before Charlotte and Valegro’s freestyle as a mark of respect. This performance would have been good enough to win gold in London, Rio or any other Olympics. This was a seminal moment in dressage history and the crowd rose to its feet in admiration of the best duo in the world. The Big Ben bongs sounded during the exquisite double pirouettes. The crowd started clapping time with Valegro’s steps on the final centre line. This horse has taken his final competitive bow, but he’s by no means forgotten."
So what is next in store for Valegro? The Dutch warmblood will do another farewell demo at the 2017 KWPN Stallion Licensing in 's Hertogenbosch in February. He will also help Dujardin with the posing for her wedding pictures (of which the date has not been set). When asked if Valegro will be invited to Charlotte's wedding, the rider replied, 'Of course! I really, really want that picture of him with me in my wedding dress; that’s going to be the icing on the cake for me.”
Photos © HP Media - Jon Stroud - Petra Kerschbaum
Related Links
Valegro Retired from Sport in Emotional Farewell Ceremony at 2016 CDI-W London
Valegro's Final Waltz at 2016 CDI-W London on Wednesday
