Charlotte Dujardin has been the most successful dressage rider in recent years: Reigning European Champion, World Champion and two-time Olympic gold medallist.
At the FEI European Championships Aachen 2015 (August 11th to 23rd), the British rider will have the first opportunity to defend an individual title. She explained that it is “extremely exciting“. So, she is looking forward to it with eager anticipation. The dressage competitions start on August 12th, three gold medals will be awarded (the Lambertz-Prize (Team), the MEGGLE-Prize (Grand Prix Spécial) and the Deutsche Bank Prize (Grand Prix Freestyle)).
Tickets are currently still available for all competitions, because the dressage is being staged in the Main Stadium of the traditional Aachen showgrounds, which seats 40,000 spectators.
Dujardin is the top favourite. But Isabell Werth, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Kristina Bröring-Sprehe are also in the runnings to win a medal, after all they do have a home advantage. Recently, the Swedish rider, Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén, also put in a convincing performance when she sovereignly won the Deutsche Bank Prize in Aachen in May. Not to forget the strong Dutch competitors, Edward Gal and Adelinde Cornelissen.
In particular, the team classification proves to be extremely exciting and will no doubt be a close run between the old rivals: the Netherlands, Great Britain and the hosts Germany, who will possibly be reinforced by Matthias Alexander Rath and Totilas. But here too, Charlotte Dujardin is betting on her own team, as she reveals in the short interview:
As the most successful dressage rider in the last years, you are not only the reigning European champion, but also Olympic champion and World champion. Now you have the opportunity to defend an individual title for the first time. How do you feel about this?
It’s massively exciting and I’m really looking forward to it.
You have competed in Aachen for the first time at the CHIO in 2014. How did you experience the atmosphere at this venue?
It’s a great atmosphere and a great crowd. Can’t ask for more than that really.
The dressage riders will compete in the main stadium in front of 40,000 spectators. How does Valegro like such big crowds?
He loves the crowds. He's such a showman and I think he knows that so he tries his hardest and enjoys it every time.
What do you think, which pairs are your biggest competitors concerning the individual championship title?
All the riders are a privilege to compete against and I always enjoy seeing them and catching up. Think it’s possible for each and every one of them.
Who is your favourite for the team championship and why?
I hope we are!
Please finish the sentence: “If I defend my individual champion title…
… I'd be the happiest girl in the world.