It has been eight months since Olympic dressage multi-multi gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin competed, but she didn’t lose a step after having her baby, Isabella Rose, in March.
Although she’s only been back riding for three weeks, on Wednesday she won the Defender CDI4* FEI Dressage Grand Prix at the Royal Windsor show in England.
Charlotte Dujardin reaches out to her daughter, Isabella Rose, held by her fiance, Dean Golding, at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. (Photo courtesy of Royal Windsor/Peter Nixon)
The competition is held on the grounds of Windsor Castle, where she earned 77.261 percent on Imhotep. Second place went to her countryman, Gareth Hughes, with Classic Briolinca (75.435).
“Pete (Imhotep) hasn’t done a competition since the (2022) FEI World Championships,” said Charlotte, noting, “I was worried I would be a bit ring rusty, but he was incredible and was so positive with his energy. There are still areas that we can improve on which is exciting – we are now aiming for the FEI European Championships this summer.”
She added, “I have such amazing memories of Royal Windsor Horse Show having competed here in the show ring as a child,” said Charlotte.
“It has such a wonderful atmosphere and to be back here is just so special. It is now Isabella’s time to support Mummy and I hope I have done her proud.”