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Girl on the Dancing Horse
Charlotte Dujardin and her charismatic horse Valegro burst onto the international sports scene with their record–breaking performance at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The world was captivated by the young woman with the dazzling smile and her dancing horse. The YouTube clip of their Freestyle performance has since had over 1.7 million views, and Dujardin is considered the dominant dressage rider of her era. When Valegro (affectionately called “Blueberry”) retired from competition at the end of 2016, his farewell performance at the Olympia Grand Hall sold out and the dark bay gelding received a standing ovation. Dujardin began riding horses at the age of two, but dressage was the domain of the rich–not the life a girl from a middleclass family was born into. Her parents sacrificed to give her as many opportunities as they could, and she left school at 16 to focus on equestrian competition. It was at 22, when she was invited to be a groom for British Olympian Carl Hester, that she met the equine partner that would change her fortune. This is the story of an outsider, an unconventional horse, and the incredible bond that took them to the top.
288 pages, Paperback
Published March 27, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 26, 2020
I'm really pleased that I was able to grab a copy on a 99p Kobo deal before it expired! This is the memoir of the gold medalist and world record holder Charlotte Dujardin who competes in equestrian dressage. It was a pleasant read, full of ups and downs throughout her career and why she fell in love with horses. The pacing was a little slow and the various competition scores although interesting to read about, did become a little repetitive at times. Like your sportsbooks? Try this one!
August 26, 2018
A brilliant success story of a woman of no particularly priviledged background, who never let anybody tell her that her goals were unachieveable. Now the owner of 3 Olympic Gold Medals,the breaker of all Dressage records and one of the three highest dressage scores in history, Charlitte Dujardin wrote this book to share her success story. She explains the difficult choices she made, as well as the sacrifices. She tells of tines when she struggles with depression and performance anxiety and she explains the difficulties that any dedicated sportsperson has when trying to balance their personal life with a sport that is as all consuming as Horse riding.
This is also however a tale of triump, succes, satisfaction and glory. The relationship between horse and rider is a beautifully balanced thing, and one we get to enjoy through the beautoful harmonious dance that is dressage, and none can show us this beauty quite like Charlotte Dujardin and the dancing horse himself, Valegro.
Their story is full of ups and downs. It is an emotional rollercoaster that allows us to take a glimpse of life as a proffessional Equestrian. We get to meet the people behind the scenes, so dedicated to their work that the show could not go on without them, and we get to see some of the amazing people that Charlotte influenced throughout her career so far.
The most exciting thing about this story is that its not over yet. Valegro may be retired, but he can still be seen to this day at their yard, and Charlotte continues to impress with her incredible skills in the dressage ring on the next generation of fantastic young horses. This is a beautiful story and a must read for anybody who can relate to the sporting life of triumph and failure and to anybody who wishes to be inspired by the rags to riches story of a current world champion who was told she would never make it.
This is also however a tale of triump, succes, satisfaction and glory. The relationship between horse and rider is a beautifully balanced thing, and one we get to enjoy through the beautoful harmonious dance that is dressage, and none can show us this beauty quite like Charlotte Dujardin and the dancing horse himself, Valegro.
Their story is full of ups and downs. It is an emotional rollercoaster that allows us to take a glimpse of life as a proffessional Equestrian. We get to meet the people behind the scenes, so dedicated to their work that the show could not go on without them, and we get to see some of the amazing people that Charlotte influenced throughout her career so far.
The most exciting thing about this story is that its not over yet. Valegro may be retired, but he can still be seen to this day at their yard, and Charlotte continues to impress with her incredible skills in the dressage ring on the next generation of fantastic young horses. This is a beautiful story and a must read for anybody who can relate to the sporting life of triumph and failure and to anybody who wishes to be inspired by the rags to riches story of a current world champion who was told she would never make it.
April 5, 2018
I am a ridiculous fan girl, so if you are looking for an objective review of this book, please move along.
This pair captured my heart when the entered the arena in London with Charlotte wearing a helmet. I was mildly disappointed in her description of donning a helmet as being a matter of course event related to an accident where she lost her memory briefly; as it was an event that changed the course of dressage competition (at least in my mind, maybe it was more a rolling stone gathering speed ...), I would have liked to have seen the story embellished a bit.
For the most part, the memoir reads as I imagine Dujardin works: it motors along briskly, operating intuitively, without spending too much time exploring the whys and wherefores.
Not meant to be a training manual, there were golden nuggets in the book that really struck home for me, a low level amateur rider. No matter how good you get, Dressage is all about rebalancing. Half-halts are critical to success in training and riding, and a good sports psychologist is a great way to deal with bumps in the road.
I look forward to following Dujardin’s career and she brings her next round of young horses up the levels. I would buy Volume II in a heartbeat.
This pair captured my heart when the entered the arena in London with Charlotte wearing a helmet. I was mildly disappointed in her description of donning a helmet as being a matter of course event related to an accident where she lost her memory briefly; as it was an event that changed the course of dressage competition (at least in my mind, maybe it was more a rolling stone gathering speed ...), I would have liked to have seen the story embellished a bit.
For the most part, the memoir reads as I imagine Dujardin works: it motors along briskly, operating intuitively, without spending too much time exploring the whys and wherefores.
Not meant to be a training manual, there were golden nuggets in the book that really struck home for me, a low level amateur rider. No matter how good you get, Dressage is all about rebalancing. Half-halts are critical to success in training and riding, and a good sports psychologist is a great way to deal with bumps in the road.
I look forward to following Dujardin’s career and she brings her next round of young horses up the levels. I would buy Volume II in a heartbeat.
June 5, 2019
4.5 Charlotte is just so charming and charismatic and chatty! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Valegro is an amazing horse, and also such a good boy, he deserves all the food in the world (but no hugs, come on, he's a professional.)
Charlotte riding Blueberry to How to Train Your Dragon theme was perfection, and honestly, they made one hell of a team. I really appreciate that Valegro's well-being was always top priority for Carl and Charlotte; he was there to enjoy the competitions and then chill out on the pasture. He wasn't pushed to the extremes and was retired when still in top form. I call this tale "How to Train Your Horse."
Half star off for the first 50 pages about Charlotte's childhood, which I guess had to be there, but were still the slowest part of the book. However, it was all focused on the horses so I have no complaints overall. It was perfectly balanced: Charlotte's story, her work with Carl Hester, and Valegro's career.
Charlotte riding Blueberry to How to Train Your Dragon theme was perfection, and honestly, they made one hell of a team. I really appreciate that Valegro's well-being was always top priority for Carl and Charlotte; he was there to enjoy the competitions and then chill out on the pasture. He wasn't pushed to the extremes and was retired when still in top form. I call this tale "How to Train Your Horse."
Half star off for the first 50 pages about Charlotte's childhood, which I guess had to be there, but were still the slowest part of the book. However, it was all focused on the horses so I have no complaints overall. It was perfectly balanced: Charlotte's story, her work with Carl Hester, and Valegro's career.
January 3, 2019
I stayed up late last night just to finish off the last couple of chapters. A nice, easy read about a subject that I love - perfect indulgence. DuJardin comes across as being slightly bemused and shocked by her success, although her hard work and dedication is also inherent in the words. She's not to proud to admit that a lot of luck and a few coincidences have also helped her on her way. I would have loved to read more about her early foray's into the dressage world - a time which is skipped over pretty quickly - but as the book is largely about her success on Valegro, I can understand why it motors on until the moment she first saw him.
Overall, a great read and a lasting record of one of the best times for British Dressage.
Overall, a great read and a lasting record of one of the best times for British Dressage.
July 4, 2022
I cried multiple times - the horse girl vibes were strong from me today
September 24, 2023
After recently getting back into horse riding (yes I’m a horse girl!), I was immediately inspired to delve into the mind of the great Charlotte Dujardin. Anyone who has seen her and Valegro break the world records and win gold while riding their dressage freestyle at the 2012 olympics or 2014 world cup would know how exceptional this pairing is (I can only recommend searching the video on youtube).Still ten years later I gasp seeing how Valegro floats through his extended trot and canter, flying unlike any other, with Charlotte‘s perfect signals and seat. The perfect dance.
Charlotte is generally a lady of few words, so this book is a real treat into her mind, her perspective on horses, and how she became the rider she is, especially because she is from a middle class background. I also loved hearing how her and Carl Hester‘s partnership developed. I actually learned quite a bit while reading. It‘s also written in quite an accessible manner, though it is clearly meant for riders. Charlotte just loves horses and always puts them first, she was always open to a connection like the one she has with Valegro, and it shows.
Charlotte is generally a lady of few words, so this book is a real treat into her mind, her perspective on horses, and how she became the rider she is, especially because she is from a middle class background. I also loved hearing how her and Carl Hester‘s partnership developed. I actually learned quite a bit while reading. It‘s also written in quite an accessible manner, though it is clearly meant for riders. Charlotte just loves horses and always puts them first, she was always open to a connection like the one she has with Valegro, and it shows.
June 11, 2022
So inspiring! And a really good insight particularly into the support team behind a combination as successful as Dujardin and Valegro... Makes me desperate to get out competing again (albeit at a much, much, lower level XD) !
January 9, 2022
In LOVE with this book.. read it 2 times already!!
May 14, 2025
Read this to find out where it all went wrong for one of britains most decorated Olympians.
January 29, 2022
Interesting to learn more about the dressage world.
August 29, 2019
I have been a fan of Charlotte’s for a few years now and this book multiplied my love for her and Valegro by ten. This very personal insight into their journey together and of Charlotte’s early years felt like having a one on one conversation with her. Well aware of the fairytale part of this story, reading about the lower points as well has got me really inspired. How she overcame challenges throughout the years, how she got to the top of the world rankings and how she praises all her horses and gives them the absolute best care (as it should be) fascinates me. With all that Charlotte, Carl and Valegro have done for the sport, I will not cease to look up to them anytime soon. This book has proven me that yet again.
April 11, 2021
While I can see how hard Charlotte worked to get the success she has had, I didn’t realise she’d essentially grown up with several horses, and parents who showed them - not quite the overcoming the odds story I was expecting. And while it can be a fine line for elite athletes to write and not sound like they are bragging, it did feel at times like it was only due to Charlotte that the team got gold - while her high score clinched it, it wouldn’t have been possible without her team mates... overall a good book, just a few little gripes mean 4* for me. But a fairly quick, entertaining and engrossing read otherwise.
March 22, 2019
This is a wonderful autobiography by the gold-medal dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin. I love horses and have watched her ride Valegro. I watched it on TV, and remembered saying to my mom "Mama, I want to be just like her!". It is so interesting learning about her past and family. My favorite part was when she taught a horse to piaffe in two weeks on a bet.
April 2, 2018
Is there any greater love than that between horse and rider?
If like me, you prefer horses and consider them to be the real superheroes rather than film or music stars, then the names Charlotte and Valegro will feature in the posters on your walls! These are the superstars you have followed since they first started their extraordinary combined careers as Champion Dressage Rider and Horse. I sat with a box of tissues next to me as they gave their final performance at the Olympia Horse Show in 2016. That night, Charlotte and Valegro gave us one last look at her “dancing horse” before his well-earned retirement - at the peak of his career.
Charlotte Dujardin is one of those “special people” who is born to ride. Yes, lots of people “learn to ride” and do it well and competently enough to become great stars, but then there are people like Charlotte who seem to have it in their DNA. She started riding at a very young age, following the show-jumping route until that one magical day in 2007 that she got the opportunity to join Carl Hester’s yard as a working pupil. She and her horse, Fernandez, moved in “for ten days” while another groom was on holiday and has never left.
She started riding Valegro, simply as the “working pupil” but soon it became obvious to Carl Hester (who had bought Valegro for himself!) that Charlotte and Valegro had a magic connection and the person who was going to bring out all this horse’s special talents was Charlotte.
Their rise through the dressage world was truly stunning with the pair breaking their first dressage record in 2012 at the Horses and Dreams Show in Hagen, Germany. This was their “practice show” before the Olympics held in the UK in 2012 where the pair went on to break the Olympic record with a score of 83.784% in the team event and a score of 90.089% for the Individual gold medal. Charlotte and Valegro have remained unbeaten since the CDI Kapellen competition they won in January 2012.
Charlotte Dujardin has written this book to reflect on her life before and with Valegro. Don’t despair that we not going to be seeing this dedicated and gifted rider in the future. She and Carl Hester are squirrelling or rather riding in the background training their next “wonder” horses.
I started reading this book and soon realised that I could be reading my daughter’s autobiography. She too is a gifted rider who started like Charlotte, riding at the age of three and taking the route of show jumping, “dressage is so boring Mum” before realising where her true talent lay – yes, in dressage!
Like Charlotte says, owning horses, costs lots of money, but if that gene is in your DNA, there is nothing you can do except ride and find the money necessary to own and compete. This is a love affair that often starts with finding a young horse, first backing, then hours and hours of training, followed by showing and the winning. These special riders have a connection with their horses that makes everything else, mainly the exorbitant costs of owning horses, fade into the background because there is a joining of souls – the rider with horse – which no one can understand unless they too have experienced the feeling.
Imbali
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
If like me, you prefer horses and consider them to be the real superheroes rather than film or music stars, then the names Charlotte and Valegro will feature in the posters on your walls! These are the superstars you have followed since they first started their extraordinary combined careers as Champion Dressage Rider and Horse. I sat with a box of tissues next to me as they gave their final performance at the Olympia Horse Show in 2016. That night, Charlotte and Valegro gave us one last look at her “dancing horse” before his well-earned retirement - at the peak of his career.
Charlotte Dujardin is one of those “special people” who is born to ride. Yes, lots of people “learn to ride” and do it well and competently enough to become great stars, but then there are people like Charlotte who seem to have it in their DNA. She started riding at a very young age, following the show-jumping route until that one magical day in 2007 that she got the opportunity to join Carl Hester’s yard as a working pupil. She and her horse, Fernandez, moved in “for ten days” while another groom was on holiday and has never left.
She started riding Valegro, simply as the “working pupil” but soon it became obvious to Carl Hester (who had bought Valegro for himself!) that Charlotte and Valegro had a magic connection and the person who was going to bring out all this horse’s special talents was Charlotte.
Their rise through the dressage world was truly stunning with the pair breaking their first dressage record in 2012 at the Horses and Dreams Show in Hagen, Germany. This was their “practice show” before the Olympics held in the UK in 2012 where the pair went on to break the Olympic record with a score of 83.784% in the team event and a score of 90.089% for the Individual gold medal. Charlotte and Valegro have remained unbeaten since the CDI Kapellen competition they won in January 2012.
Charlotte Dujardin has written this book to reflect on her life before and with Valegro. Don’t despair that we not going to be seeing this dedicated and gifted rider in the future. She and Carl Hester are squirrelling or rather riding in the background training their next “wonder” horses.
I started reading this book and soon realised that I could be reading my daughter’s autobiography. She too is a gifted rider who started like Charlotte, riding at the age of three and taking the route of show jumping, “dressage is so boring Mum” before realising where her true talent lay – yes, in dressage!
Like Charlotte says, owning horses, costs lots of money, but if that gene is in your DNA, there is nothing you can do except ride and find the money necessary to own and compete. This is a love affair that often starts with finding a young horse, first backing, then hours and hours of training, followed by showing and the winning. These special riders have a connection with their horses that makes everything else, mainly the exorbitant costs of owning horses, fade into the background because there is a joining of souls – the rider with horse – which no one can understand unless they too have experienced the feeling.
Imbali
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
September 17, 2018
Is there any greater love than that between horse and rider?
f like me, you prefer horses and consider them to be the real superheroes rather than film or music stars, then the names Charlotte and Valegro will feature in the posters on your walls! These are the superstars you have followed since they first started their extraordinary combined careers as Champion Dressage Rider and Horse. I sat with a box of tissues next to me as they gave their final performance at the Olympia Horse Show in 2016. That night, Charlotte and Valegro gave us one last look at her “dancing horse” before his well-earned retirement - at the peak of his career.
Charlotte Dujardin is one of those “special people” who is born to ride. Yes, lots of people “learn to ride” and do it well and competently enough to become great stars, but then there are people like Charlotte who seem to have it in their DNA. She started riding at a very young age, following the show-jumping route until that one magical day in 2007 that she got the opportunity to join Carl Hester’s yard as a working pupil. She and her horse, Fernandez, moved in “for ten days” while another groom was on holiday and has never left.
She started riding Valegro, simply as the “working pupil” but soon it became obvious to Carl Hester (who had bought Valegro for himself!) that Charlotte and Valegro had a magic connection and the person who was going to bring out all this horse’s special talents was Charlotte.
Their rise through the dressage world was truly stunning with the pair breaking their first dressage record in 2012 at the Horses and Dreams Show in Hagen, Germany. This was their “practice show” before the Olympics held in the UK in 2012 where the pair went on to break the Olympic record with a score of 83.784% in the team event and a score of 90.089% for the Individual gold medal. Charlotte and Valegro have remained unbeaten since the CDI Kapellen competition they won in January 2012.
Charlotte Dujardin has written this book to reflect on her life before and with Valegro. Don’t despair that we not going to be seeing this dedicated and gifted rider in the future. She and Carl Hester are squirrelling or rather riding in the background training their next “wonder” horses.
I started reading this book and soon realised that I could be reading my daughter’s autobiography. She too is a gifted rider who started like Charlotte, riding at the age of three and taking the route of show jumping, “dressage is so boring Mum” before realising where her true talent lay – yes, in dressage!
Like Charlotte says, owning horses, costs lots of money, but if that gene is in your DNA, there is nothing you can do except ride and find the money necessary to own and compete. This is a love affair that often starts with finding a young horse, first backing, then hours and hours of training, followed by showing and the winning. These special riders have a connection with their horses that makes everything else, mainly the exorbitant costs of owning horses, fade into the background because there is a joining of souls – the rider with horse – which no one can understand unless they too have experienced the feeling.
Imbali
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
f like me, you prefer horses and consider them to be the real superheroes rather than film or music stars, then the names Charlotte and Valegro will feature in the posters on your walls! These are the superstars you have followed since they first started their extraordinary combined careers as Champion Dressage Rider and Horse. I sat with a box of tissues next to me as they gave their final performance at the Olympia Horse Show in 2016. That night, Charlotte and Valegro gave us one last look at her “dancing horse” before his well-earned retirement - at the peak of his career.
Charlotte Dujardin is one of those “special people” who is born to ride. Yes, lots of people “learn to ride” and do it well and competently enough to become great stars, but then there are people like Charlotte who seem to have it in their DNA. She started riding at a very young age, following the show-jumping route until that one magical day in 2007 that she got the opportunity to join Carl Hester’s yard as a working pupil. She and her horse, Fernandez, moved in “for ten days” while another groom was on holiday and has never left.
She started riding Valegro, simply as the “working pupil” but soon it became obvious to Carl Hester (who had bought Valegro for himself!) that Charlotte and Valegro had a magic connection and the person who was going to bring out all this horse’s special talents was Charlotte.
Their rise through the dressage world was truly stunning with the pair breaking their first dressage record in 2012 at the Horses and Dreams Show in Hagen, Germany. This was their “practice show” before the Olympics held in the UK in 2012 where the pair went on to break the Olympic record with a score of 83.784% in the team event and a score of 90.089% for the Individual gold medal. Charlotte and Valegro have remained unbeaten since the CDI Kapellen competition they won in January 2012.
Charlotte Dujardin has written this book to reflect on her life before and with Valegro. Don’t despair that we not going to be seeing this dedicated and gifted rider in the future. She and Carl Hester are squirrelling or rather riding in the background training their next “wonder” horses.
I started reading this book and soon realised that I could be reading my daughter’s autobiography. She too is a gifted rider who started like Charlotte, riding at the age of three and taking the route of show jumping, “dressage is so boring Mum” before realising where her true talent lay – yes, in dressage!
Like Charlotte says, owning horses, costs lots of money, but if that gene is in your DNA, there is nothing you can do except ride and find the money necessary to own and compete. This is a love affair that often starts with finding a young horse, first backing, then hours and hours of training, followed by showing and the winning. These special riders have a connection with their horses that makes everything else, mainly the exorbitant costs of owning horses, fade into the background because there is a joining of souls – the rider with horse – which no one can understand unless they too have experienced the feeling.
Imbali
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
October 2, 2020
Whenever I have had a really bad day; when work seems endless and overwhelming; when words feel too much and all the world is on the brink of collapse, the only thing I can stomach is watching dressage. I can spend hours on YouTube, mesmerized by the dancing horses. There is something about the skill of the maneuvers, the beauty of the movements and the teamwork between horse and human that I find comforting and incredibly moving.
In recent years, in the equestrian world, who has not heard of Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro? Triple Olympic gold medal winners, the partnership between Charlotte and the horse she affectionately calls Blueberry in the stables has captured the hearts of horsey girls like me far and wide. Charlotte’s book gives great flavor to the kind of person she is— very English, lots of integrity, very serious about the work she does. It also tells us about the temperament of Blueberry— loves food, hates hugs, extremely good at what he does so that he doesn’t need repeated drilling over tests.
This is not a book about the glamour and gossip of the Horse Society set, it is a story of a person who values practice and discipline and is not afraid of hard work. It’s nerdy and square sometimes, and possibly boring to those looking for something more Jilly Cooper than early bedtimes and training schedules. But I think that’s what makes Charlotte such a hero to me— she’s a good girl who works hard, loves her horses and is incredibly grateful for the extraordinary experiences and people life has given her.
Over the years, I have learnt so much from Charlotte and Valegro, and it doesn’t always have to do with riding: When describing Blueberry, Charlotte tells us that he is a ‘hot’ horse— one that is spilling over with energy and needs little impulsion. “I’ve always liked hot horses,” she says (I’m paraphrasing— I can’t find the exact page) “because you can tell they really love their jobs.” In a training video, Charlotte tells us she likes to be in a position to shape and enjoy a horse’s movements rather than force them. This made me realise that I think the same about people and relationships. And so, my greatest take away from ‘The Girl on the Dancing Horse’ has got to be how Charlotte’s love for her horses means that she is fully willing to put their well-being before her own feelings. Whether that means selling a horse on to an owner who is more suited to them; or retiring Blueberry at the height of his power or even riding but not owning her Grand Prix horses which means that they might be sold on and taken from her at any time. How truly enlightened one must be to be able to let go. How deeply I appreciate being able to learn from these extraordinary horses and the riders who love them.
In recent years, in the equestrian world, who has not heard of Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro? Triple Olympic gold medal winners, the partnership between Charlotte and the horse she affectionately calls Blueberry in the stables has captured the hearts of horsey girls like me far and wide. Charlotte’s book gives great flavor to the kind of person she is— very English, lots of integrity, very serious about the work she does. It also tells us about the temperament of Blueberry— loves food, hates hugs, extremely good at what he does so that he doesn’t need repeated drilling over tests.
This is not a book about the glamour and gossip of the Horse Society set, it is a story of a person who values practice and discipline and is not afraid of hard work. It’s nerdy and square sometimes, and possibly boring to those looking for something more Jilly Cooper than early bedtimes and training schedules. But I think that’s what makes Charlotte such a hero to me— she’s a good girl who works hard, loves her horses and is incredibly grateful for the extraordinary experiences and people life has given her.
Over the years, I have learnt so much from Charlotte and Valegro, and it doesn’t always have to do with riding: When describing Blueberry, Charlotte tells us that he is a ‘hot’ horse— one that is spilling over with energy and needs little impulsion. “I’ve always liked hot horses,” she says (I’m paraphrasing— I can’t find the exact page) “because you can tell they really love their jobs.” In a training video, Charlotte tells us she likes to be in a position to shape and enjoy a horse’s movements rather than force them. This made me realise that I think the same about people and relationships. And so, my greatest take away from ‘The Girl on the Dancing Horse’ has got to be how Charlotte’s love for her horses means that she is fully willing to put their well-being before her own feelings. Whether that means selling a horse on to an owner who is more suited to them; or retiring Blueberry at the height of his power or even riding but not owning her Grand Prix horses which means that they might be sold on and taken from her at any time. How truly enlightened one must be to be able to let go. How deeply I appreciate being able to learn from these extraordinary horses and the riders who love them.
January 23, 2022
Impossible not to love, this book, written by Charlotte, is endearing and a horse-lover's dream. It's also the surprising story of a girl whose family did not have endless money growing up, and her transition from showing ponies to riding dressage horses clearly show the golden girl has not always had the means to buy, or keep, all the horses she wanted.
This book gives us some wonderful details about Charlotte's childhood, and is an honest reflection of where she comes from. It takes us to the Olympics and, of course, Valegro, along with her friendships with people like Carl Hester, groom Allan Davies and her family, which have not always been plain sailing.
I love the simple honesty of this book and only with two things about it - that it was BIGGER (perhaps there will be a second, after the 2021 Olympics, Gio being sold etc) and that it had even more pictures of her, both growing up and describing some of the ponies she's pictured on early in the book. In other words, MORE please! We love hearing about you, Charlotte, and look forward to Chapter Two!
This book gives us some wonderful details about Charlotte's childhood, and is an honest reflection of where she comes from. It takes us to the Olympics and, of course, Valegro, along with her friendships with people like Carl Hester, groom Allan Davies and her family, which have not always been plain sailing.
I love the simple honesty of this book and only with two things about it - that it was BIGGER (perhaps there will be a second, after the 2021 Olympics, Gio being sold etc) and that it had even more pictures of her, both growing up and describing some of the ponies she's pictured on early in the book. In other words, MORE please! We love hearing about you, Charlotte, and look forward to Chapter Two!
July 24, 2018
When you're a horse girl through and through, you soak up information and all things horsey wherever you can. But The Girl on the Dancing Horse is different, because rather than being Charlotte's training guide (which, Charlotte, you should write please!) it is an autobiography that revolves, as our horse girl lives do, around the barns and horses that make us.
I loved this story - almost cried a few times, and then got inspired. Charlotte Dujardin proves that if you're talented, in the right place at the right time, and dedicated as all hell, you can make it happen. I go back to the barn now full of hopes and dreams for my "fixer-upper" as well as the fresh faced babies I'm starting. Whatever happens, clearly the love of the sport and the animal will continue to be the fixture in our lives.
I loved this story - almost cried a few times, and then got inspired. Charlotte Dujardin proves that if you're talented, in the right place at the right time, and dedicated as all hell, you can make it happen. I go back to the barn now full of hopes and dreams for my "fixer-upper" as well as the fresh faced babies I'm starting. Whatever happens, clearly the love of the sport and the animal will continue to be the fixture in our lives.
January 15, 2020
This book was an enjoyable read for me. I am glad to know a bit more about Charlotte, and the ups and downs through her Equestrian journey. Charlotte is someone who I admire for what she's done for the sport of Dressage. It also is good to know that things don't always come easily even to those who represent their country in the Olympics. I will be eager to continue to follow Charlotte as she continues her career of being a great Olympian and teacher of horses and the people who share the journey of harmony with them!
May 3, 2018
Worth a read. Some of the text needed more editing for flow, but it was easy to get through - it took me about six hours to read start to finish. I preferred Carl Hester's book, though I think this is because Charlotte is still only a young woman and didn't have the length and depth of life experience that his book was able to express. It was very personable but I would have preferred to have more of a feeling of inspiration after putting it down.
May 26, 2024
Quel livre intéressant!
Première fois que je lisais une biographie et je dois avouer que je suis agréablement surprise.
J’ai trouvé le livre passionnant du début à la fin, car on voit et comprend l’évolution de Charlotte et Valegro.
J’ai aussi aimé que l’on apprenne à connaître ce duo, car en regardant ses performances il est facile de juger sans pour autant comprendre ce qui s’est réellement passé.
Bref, quelle cavalière exceptionnelle et surtout inspirante!
Première fois que je lisais une biographie et je dois avouer que je suis agréablement surprise.
J’ai trouvé le livre passionnant du début à la fin, car on voit et comprend l’évolution de Charlotte et Valegro.
J’ai aussi aimé que l’on apprenne à connaître ce duo, car en regardant ses performances il est facile de juger sans pour autant comprendre ce qui s’est réellement passé.
Bref, quelle cavalière exceptionnelle et surtout inspirante!
January 25, 2019
Really well-written for a non-author. Dujardin is appropriately both matter-of-fact about her talent and hard work, and appreciative of her luck and good fortune. Includes just a few tidbits that could barely be called juicy, mostly a description of the hard work and what went right and wrong with each major ride, yet she’s engaging and winsome, and the read stays lively.
January 31, 2019
Interesting, enjoyable and enthralling from start to finish. Charlotte Dujardin has a lovely genuine writing style that makes you feel like she is your friend and is talking direct to you. I loved the fact that she comes across as just a normal horse mad girl who had all these amazing things happen to her. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horses.
June 28, 2020
This book gives you a good insight on what it feels like to compete in top dressage and what really happens behind the scenes of all top level competitions. I thoroughly enjoyed the book!
Charlotte Dujardin is such a brilliant women who worked so hard to achieve her dream goal. She deserved those gold medals!
Charlotte Dujardin is such a brilliant women who worked so hard to achieve her dream goal. She deserved those gold medals!
December 21, 2020
Really enjoyable and interesting book. Before reading this I hadn’t realised what hard work and dedication was needed. I’ve loved horses all my life and enjoy reading books about them. Would recommend to anyone who loves reading about horses. I feel i must add my admiration and congratulations to Charlotte and Valegro for all that they’ve done for the sport,they are absolutely brilliant!
January 29, 2021
Inspirational
This book went back over Charlotte’s life through the 2012 Olympics, world championships, Olympia, and Rio 2016, working with Valegro to win gold, and the decision to retire him after Rio. A great read and a bit of an insight into the life of not just Charlotte but the horses she’s ridden and the future stars. A great read.
This book went back over Charlotte’s life through the 2012 Olympics, world championships, Olympia, and Rio 2016, working with Valegro to win gold, and the decision to retire him after Rio. A great read and a bit of an insight into the life of not just Charlotte but the horses she’s ridden and the future stars. A great read.
September 13, 2021
Uplifting
Loved reading the story of Charlotte’s life, from a hectic and at times unpredictable childhood filled with show ponies, to her discovery of dressage and the hard work she put in to earn the opportunities that have come her way. Her love of her horses and especially Blueberry aka Valegro, shines through.
Loved reading the story of Charlotte’s life, from a hectic and at times unpredictable childhood filled with show ponies, to her discovery of dressage and the hard work she put in to earn the opportunities that have come her way. Her love of her horses and especially Blueberry aka Valegro, shines through.
February 22, 2024
This memoir felt so personal and honest! Charlotte's love for horses and overall passion for her sport really shone. It was so interesting getting to hear about her dynamic with Carl Hester and other top equestrians. Most of all, her deep reverence for her equine partner Valegro/Blueberry is wonderful, and carries the narrative. Really enjoyed reading this!
March 27, 2018
Amazing book! I laughed, cried and learned so much about Charlotte. Charlotte is a horsewoman just like the rest of us who struggles with position and other issues. She may be an Gold medalist of many titles but she is human just like the rest of us. A must read!!
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