World Cup Finals News Flash: Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin Defend their Title in Style

World Cup Finals News Flash:
Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin Defend their Title in Style

The Reem Acra FEI World Cup has concluded with an emphatic triumph by the current Olympic, European, World Equestrian Games and World Cup champions. Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro only missed their world record score of 94.3, set at Olympia 2014, by a scant 0.102%, and their performance was accurate, energetic, and expressive.

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro

'Blueberry' relaxes after a job well done

The rest of the field performed admirably: Dutch rider Edward Gal with Glock's Undercover N.O.P. achieved an 84.696 to finish in second place.

Edward Gal and Glock's Undercover

German rider Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and the lovely KWPN stallion Unee BB slotted into the third place position. They had been impressive in the Western European League qualifiers through the season and continued to dazzle in the final.

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Unee BB

Another rising star for the U.S., Laura Graves riding her 13 year old Verdades moved up to fourth place as, unfortunately, Steffen Peters and Legolas were eliminated for a small amount of blood that was found after their 80% ride.

Laura Graves and Verdades

Peters issued a statement after the competition saying that it was entirely his fault, possibly occurred when Legolas spooked at the end of their ride, and that while he wears only mild spurs with a round rowel, the horse is very sensitive.