Charlotte Dujardin wins the British Championship
On Saturday at Somerford Park, Charlotte Dujardin won the Grand Prix, which served as the British Championship event; partnered with Brave Heart II, the British rider scored 75.044%, finishing ahead of Gareth Hughes and Mowgli-Olympia MC (second with 70.457%) and Fiona Bigwood and Donna Bella (third with 70%)—a victory holding special significance for the rider, now a mother of two.
Returning to the National Championships, Charlotte Dujardin was not there merely to sightsee. Aboard Brave Heart II—a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Bordeaux owned by Ellie McCarthy—the triple Olympic champion delivered a virtually flawless test; the five judges on the international panel gave the pair consistent scores, including a 9 for the second canter pirouette.
For Charlotte Dujardin, this performance marked another step in developing her partnership with Brave Heart II. The canter work and pirouettes were the highlights of their test. Yet, beyond the day's technical quality, Charlotte Dujardin was particularly pleased with the bay gelding's progress: "He is becoming increasingly confident in the arena," she explained.
When asked how she balances her career, her coaching work, and her family life, the British rider acknowledges that the shift was significant: "When I had Isabella, my life changed because it became centered on Isabella and putting her first," she explained. With two children, the logistics became even more complex: "It’s multitasking, but on another level."
Charlotte Dujardin won the British Championship in 2015 with Barolo and in 2020 with MSJ Freestyle.
Full championship results HERE
source : British Dressage / crédit photo : Kevin Sparrow
