Last Saturday (08/02) was the climax of the KWPN Horse of the Year award. And it was no surprise that the title was awarded to the unbeaten champion of 2013: Valegro. The bay gelding epitomizes the descriptive phrase “happy athlete.” Wherever he competes, he is the audience favorite with his extremely expressive and balanced movement. With so many loyal fans, Valegro even has his own Facebook page, which is immensely popular.
Valegro, who is affectionately called “Blueberry” by his rider Charlotte Dujardin, is the winner of numerous titles. Last year, his breeders Joop and Maartje Hanse made a special trip to Doha, Qatar, where Valegro was honored by the WBFSH.
On Saturday, the world’s current number one dressage horse was bestowed another very important title: the 2013 KWPN Horse of the Year! Spectators in the sold-out Brabanthallen, who were treated to Valegro’s great talent for collection in the form of flawlessly performed piaffes and passages, honored him and his youthful rider with a standing ovation.