Charlotte Dujardin took the dressage world by storm in 2011 when forming part of the Gold medal winning British team at the European Championship in Rotterdam. A member of Team Supreme Products, here Charlotte provides a fascinating insight into her busy life.
Rising Star Charlotte Dujardin
1, Where are you based?
At Carl Hester’s brilliant yard at Newent in Gloucestershire.
2, What school did you go to?
I went to school at Vandyke Upper School in Bedfordshire
3, Did you have any nicknames?
Yes – ‘Naughty’!
4, Did you have any other career in mind apart from equestrianism?
No, I always wanted to ride and compete.
5, Why did you choose dressage as your discipline?
When I was younger I competed in showing and is just seemed a natural progression in to the world of dressage and is something I have always done and loved.
6, What is your biggest achievement in life so far?
Definitely the team Gold Medal at the 2011 European Dressage Championships in Rotterdam, it was amazing.
7, How many horses/ponies do you have on your yard?
I currently have seven at varying stages in their development.
8, How long have you been riding?
I started riding when I was two-years-old so 24 years now – seems quite a long time!
9, Do you have a favourite horse – past or present?
Lookin at the past it has to be my old pony a Section A mare called Dyan and at present of course, the wonderful Valegro.
10, How did you feel when you won your first major title?
Very proud, there is so much work and effort goes in to producing horses to top class level but the major wins make it all worthwhile.
11, Is there a title that you would like to win?
It has to be an Olympic Gold Medal,that would be so very special!
12, Do you have a favourite event?
I love Aachen in Germany, the venue and facilities are brilliant. It is just an amazing place with an amazing atmosphere.
13, Do you have a favourite country for holidays?
My holiday of a lifetime was to Cuba, incredible place and I would recommend it very highly.
14, Do you prefer a relaxing holiday, or a fun-packed activity one?
Definitely a fun packed activity holiday with a little bit of relaxation along the way!
15, What music do you prefer to listen to?
I really enjoy listening to music and love absolutely everything.
16, Favourite Artist?
Christina Aguilera, great artist, great fun.
17, Favourite TV Programme?
X-Factor, brilliant viewing on a Saturday night.
18, Favourite Film?
Pretty Woman, an all time classic.
19, Last item bought at a Supermarket?
A chicken to roast, very tasty!
20, Do you need a special diet to keep you fit and well for competing or can you eat just about anything?
I can eat just about anything but I do stick to a healthy diet as I just love fruit
21, What methods of relaxation do you use before a competition – if any?
I spend some time on my own in order to focus before I enter the arena.
22, How do you wind down after a competition?
With friends, socialising.
23, If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
To have longer legs!
24, When you have time to yourself, how do you like to spend it?
Just relaxing and chilling at home when I can with a bit of retail therapy if necessary.
25, Wine/Beer or Champagne?
Champagne
