NEVER, ever underestimate Charlotte Dujardin. That is the message many will take away from these Games after an individual final of dreams. To come to her third Olympics riding a young, inexperienced horse that until now many didn’t expect to be the one to succeed her great Valegro, and then claim a bronze medal to send her shooting into the history books is extraordinary.
For Charlotte and Gio, the adorable little chestnut gelding who wins everybody over with his friendly face, willing attitude and fun-loving demeanour, these Games – with their disrupted leadup and strange atmosphere – were set to serve as a stepping stone on the road to Paris 2024.
But when it came down to it, Charlotte helped to shape a night of sport that had every ingredient of a classic Olympic episode. There was exultation, devastation, agonising tension as the result came down to the very final salute, and a great many tears. For all its strangeness, the grand finale of the Tokyo Olympic dressage proved to be a vintage evening.
Denne historien er fra August 05, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra August 05, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
