Sept. 6—New York City  

Charlotte Dujardin announced today her long time partner and reigning Olympic, European and World Champion Valegro will not make the journey across the Atlantic to the second annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show this year.

Although she will be missing her incredibly talented mount, Dujardin is looking forward to performing a series of special performances with the highlight on Saturday, Sept. 26, during the U.S. Open $75,000 Dressage Freestyle presented by Axel Johnson Group beginning at 7 p.m.

Dujardin, acting in the best interest of the world-renowned 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding, stated that off the back of a very busy European Championships in Aachen where the pair picked up double gold, the owners and Dujardin felt it was in the horse’s best interest to give him a well-earned rest. Committed to maintaining Valegro’s health and happiness and in the ultimate gesture of horsemanship, the team behind the legendary horse made the difficult decision to forgo a trip to New York City in order to focus on the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

” ‘Blueberry’ is an amazing once-in-a-lifetime horse, and Carl [Hester] and I just want to ensure he gets a well-deserved rest after an intense and successful championship last month, as his health and happiness is our No. 1 priority,” said Dujardin. “My fans are very important to me though, and I am still very keen to be a part of this incredible show in New York City in such a beautiful setting. I am really looking forward to engaging with my fans and deliver a fun and unique experience for them.”

Valegro’s absence will not prevent Dujardin from taking the spotlight in Central Park. In concert with Robert Dover, an exciting mount will be announced next week that will provide Dujardin a chance to experience this one-of-a-kind event and perform in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Her performance on Saturday night during the U.S. Open $75,000 Dressage Freestyle presented by Axel Johnson Group will be performed to the “How to Train Your Dragon” in a freestyle routine she used to secure gold at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Caen, France, aboard Valegro.

“While I was initially disappointed when the decision was communicated, I believe that horse welfare is paramount, and it was the absolute correct decision,” said Mark Bellissimo CEO of International Equestrian Group, LLC. “However, the lasting impression for me, and I’m sure with many others, is Charlotte’s professionalism in working with us to make sure that her fans were not let down. I think it will be exciting to see Charlotte work her magic in front of a passionate crowd on a new horse that she was just introduced to. Her master class demonstration on Sunday will offer an incredible opportunity for fans of the sport, as she will explain the strategies and techniques required to adapt to a situation such as this. She is truly a great professional.”

On Sunday afternoon, in a special demonstration, marking the conclusion of the weeklong competition, Dujardin will conduct a Master’s Class in which she will use a headset to explain and engage the audience in the beauty and technique of dressage in a unique clinic setting. She will discuss her training methods and the background behind choreographing an eye-catching and impressive freestyle routine.

In addition, Dujardin will describe her experience of competing in New York City and the challenges that accompany riding an unfamiliar horse in a new environment. The comprehensive demonstration will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, and general admission tickets will be offered at $50. Tickets can be purchased at http://bit.ly/1AV2imv. An autograph signing session with Dujardin will follow the demonstration allowing fans and admirers to interact with the world No. 1.

General admission tickets for the U.S. Open Dressage Grand Prix are $30, and tickets for the U.S. Open $75,000 Freestyle Grand Prix presented by the Axel Johnson Group are priced at $250. A three-day package deal is also available for $300.

There are only a few hundred tickets still available for the event, and they are anticipated to sell out. Tickets can now be purchased at http://bit.ly/1AV2imv.

Please like our Facebook page at Central Park Horse Show to become eligible for exciting ticket giveaways and promotions as the event approaches!   

Rolex Central Park Horse Show Schedule: 

Wednesday, Sept. 23 

Gates open at 5 p.m.

6 p.m. – U.S. Open Arabian Horse Show, presented by Aljassimya Farm, Doha, Qatar

Thursday, Sept. 24 

Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m. – U.S. Open $25,000 U25 Grand Prix

8 p.m. – U.S. Open (Round 1) $40,000 FEI Speed Class, presented by Canadian Pacific Railway

Friday, Sept. 25 

Daytime gates open 12:30 p.m. & VIP access opens at 1 p.m.

Evening gates open at 5:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – U.S. Open Dressage Grand Prix

6:30 p.m. – $5,000 Junior/Amateur 1.20m Class, Presented by PwC

8:00 p.m. – U.S. Open $212,000 (Final) FEI 3* Grand Prix, presented by Rolex

Saturday, Sept. 26 

Daytime gates open at 12:30 p.m. & VIP access opens at 1 p.m.

Evening gates open at 5:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – U.S. Open Hunters Duchossois Cup

– $1,000 Small/Medium Pony Hunters

– $2,500 Junior/Amateurs

– $50,000 Professionals

7 p.m. – U.S. Open $75,000 Dressage Freestyle, presented by Axel Johnson Group

Sunday, Sept. 27 

Gates open at 9:30 a.m. & VIP access opens at 12:30 p.m.

10 a.m. – Matinee Performance

1:30 p.m. – Master’s Class with Charlotte Dujardin presented by The Chronicle of the Horse

To request table information in the Hospitality Tent, please e-mail Anne Caroline Valtin at vip@centralparkhorseshow.com or call 561-784-1133.

Additional information can be found at www.coth.com and www.centralparkhorseshow.com.

Also, like The Chronicle of the Horse and Central Park Horse Show on Facebook for more information.