CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN paid an emotional tribute to two Olympic gold medal-winning horses in her first Instagram post since being banned.
Britain’s joint-most decorated female Olympian was after a 24 times on the eve of the 2024 Paris Games.
Charlotte Dujardin paid an emotional tribute to her beloved horse ValegroCredit: AFP
The duo teamed up to win three Olympic gold medalsCredit: AFP
Dujardin released a statement when the , backdated to July.
And she returned to social media on Monday evening following the death of Valegro aged 23.
Valegro – affectionately called Blueberry – was the most decorated dressage horse in British history under Dujardin.
He helped Dujardin win individual and team dressage golds at London 2012 and then another individual gold at Rio 2016.
Heartbroken , 40, wrote: “I love you. I don’t know how to start this with any other words. I knew of course this day would come, but I don’t think I could ever be ready for it.
“You have been my constant, my rock. Through the highest highs and the lowest lows, your gentle presence, your steady heartbeat, the silent moments we shared together have been my everything, the place I could always go to.
“In those quiet moments we had so many conversations without words; you loved me completely, as I am. You saw my heart and I yours.
“I’ve never sat on a horse like you, Blueberry. It was always your heart and your mind that made you the best.
“I just wanted to do you proud, to show the world what you were capable of.
“And we danced Blueberry, didn’t we dance…”
Dujardin, who like Laura Kenny has six medals – albeit only three golds to the cyclist’s five, continued: “You transformed our sport, yes. The London Olympics was the greatest stage and we had no idea how our worlds would change, just a girl and a horse, trying our best.
“But the biggest gift of all was the amount of joy you brought to this world. You made people smile every single day of your life. What a rare and special gift that is.
“You have been, and always will be, my one in a million and it has been the honour of my life to be not only your dance partner but best friend. The magic we had, no one can take from us, and we will dance again one day.
“I love you Blueberry. With every inch of my heart. Forever and always. My beautiful, best boy.
“You and Uti, always side by side, together always. I miss you both, more than I can say.”
Uti is referencing Uthopia, Valegro’s stable-mate, who has also been put down.
Uthopia, who was 24, and teamed up for that team gold in London 13 years ago.
Hester added: “Valegro and Uthopia did more than win medals and write history, they gave our sport a golden era.
“They made a nation proud and inspired so many.
“Allowing them to leave this world together was the final act of loyalty and dignity I felt I could give them.”
Carl Hester on Uthopia, left, also paid tribute to the two horses which helped win Olympic gold in 2012Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Dujardin with Valegro, right. at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021Credit: PA
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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