Valegro has been enjoying a quieter life since retiring from competition, although it looks like he may have found himself a new job as Jenny Rudall’s co-presenter…
Excitement and fear
Valegro teamed up with Jenny for H&C’s hit series Rudall Rides With…. This latest episode sees Jenny interview dressage legend Carl Hester, while riding the world’s most famous horse. No pressure there then…
“When Carl told me I was riding Valegro my legs went a little soft to say the least,” said Jenny, after recording the show. “First with excitement and then with fear, as I didn’t want to look like a fool. I am not a dressage rider and was praying I wouldn’t show myself up.”
Ever the gentleman, Valegro was on his best behaviour – even when Carl’s dogs came diving out of the bushes. There was one hairy moment, however, when Jenny almost fell out the back door.
“I had a short canter and nearly fell off backwards because it was so big,” she said. “But once we got going, I could have cantered him all day.”
‘Pinching myself’
Carl joined Jenny on last year’s National Champion Barolo, and they enjoyed a hack around his 30-acre property, while chatting about life, love and living the dream.
“I had to keep pinching myself, I was riding next to my hero on the world’s most famous horse,” said Jenny. “To be honest I wished the cameras hadn’t been there, so I didn’t have to worry about presenting.”
Distractions aside (like interviewing a national treasure), what was it really like to ride an Olympic, European and World champion?
“As soon as you set off in walk you can tell you are riding something special,” said Jenny. “Every part of Valegro is in the right place and his neck is the perfect length. His walk is extraordinary – no leg needed for anything.”
“I even had a go at piaffe, which was a bit worrying as I’d only ever done it once before! The ever obliging Valegro seemed to vaguely understand what I was asking and I got a tiny glimpse of his immense power. I’m still grinning about it now!”
Valegro’s Farewell
You can watch all of series one of Rudall Rides With… on H&C Play.
Following Valegro’s retirement, we have put together our favourite memories of this incredible horse. Valegro’s Farewell features exclusive interviews, footage of Valegro at home and away, and a lot of tears.