Olympic Valegro’s

trot-on part Is bound to melt the frostiest heart

With Charlotte Dujardin, he won gold at Rio. Now Valegro, who has published his first book, is looking forward to a festive wreath – and we have it straight from the horse’s mouth!

This time of year is always special at my trainer, Carl Hester’s, yard. Its arrival is heralded by the tinsel around the stables – it seems to make an appearance earlier every year! I like to celebrate by taking time out to graze in the field with some chums. Nobody rides on Christmas Day. I think they’re too busy eating. It seems that a big part of Christmas is the food, and I know this because everyone is distinctly heavier afterwards.

My present last year was a new saddle pad (which I didn’t think much of, to be honest – a necessity is not really a gift, in my book!) This year, I’m hoping for a festive wreath full of apples, carrots and sugar lumps, something not only decorative but delicious, too!

Horses need looking after whatever the occasion, but there’s only one member of staff officially on duty, so everyone who stays is roped in to help with the mucking out before they relax. There’s a real party atmosphere in the yard. It gives all the horses an excuse to be a bit cheeky, and we often play up a bit as we’re led in from the field. Well, it is Christmas!

On Christmas evening, after I’ve enjoyed my feed and the only thing I can hear is the other horses chewing their hay, I enjoy looking over my stable door and gazing at the silver tinsel twinkling in the moonlight. It is particularly pretty when there’s a frost. It’s a time to reflect on the ups and downs of the previous year, and look forward to challenges to come in the next. What does 2017 hold for a dressage horse who’s achieved his dream? I can’t wait to find out!