As we’re here in Las Vegas getting ready for the thrilling finale of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final, let’s look at just why Valegro, or “Blueberry” to his friend is the dressage world’s most famous and loved horse right now.

Don’t miss the Chronicle’s coverage of the World Cup freestyle—we’ll have a horse-by-horse commentary with Chronicle blogger Lauren Sprieser, great photos from in the ring and behind the scenes, and the stories behind the results.

Reason #1
That FACE! How can you not love that face?

Reason #2
They do everything pretty much perfectly… the pirouette.

Reason #3
The piaffe

Reason #4
The passage

Reason #6
Valegro can thunder across the diagonal in extended canter then very politely decelerate to collected canter nice as you please.

Reason #6
Charlotte doesn’t mind if we go all fangirl on her. Lynn Natuk was first in line for her autograph session and she made sure to take a photo with her because Lynn was so excited!

Reason #7
They can take free walk out of the ring to a new level. Who needs reins?

Reason #8
He’s so, so loved by his people. Groom Alan Davies is a very cool dude and he makes sure Blueberry stays full of treats during the awards ceremonies.

Reason #9
They wear famous well. Did the queen teach Charlotte that wave?

And, Reason #10, the most important reason of all…
Because when the lights go out and the tack comes off, they’re just a girl and her horse…