Valegro's very last performance - FEI World Cup™ Dressage - London Olympia 2016 

Marco. Ciao. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

Agreed ❤️🥺

@@lilybellastopthebiglick4569 what? your horse doesnt choose if it wants to work with you. it doesnt owe you anything, it wasnt their choice. just like a child, you cant bring them to the world thinking they owe you something for being your child. with that mindset it truly hope you dont own horses.

@@lilybellastopthebiglick4569 wtf lol

@@venla4699 oops sorry that was my little sister please don't hate😪

nnnnnnnope!

Never has been a better extension than valegro, and there will never be one to beat it!

Kate Hobbs literally looks like he’s floating

Franziskus Trot is pretty amazing

I think no😍

His profuse frothing at the mouth and mediocre passage indicates that he was not only unhappy, but suffering from the internal damage caused by Rollkur training.

@@martimasters7704 you do know that the foam in his mouth was there bc he was playing with his bit 😐

@@ichikarose7689 Horses that play with the bit don't have an open mouth with excessive foam and they don't constantly flap their bottom lip. The proper mouth for a dressage horse is a moist mouth that is quiet because it's impossible to play comfortably with a double bit. What is possible is for the horse to be calm and the rider to have very soft hands so the double bit doesn't cause any discomfort. The purpose of a double bridle is NOT to have brute control over the horse, but provide a delicate form of communication with many different ways to communicate afforded by affecting each bit individually or together. But in the case of the horse and rider in the video, the horse does not have a calm mouth because the head is cranked in from years of rollkur training. The bulging small muscles at the point of the jowls is a tell-tale sign that internal damage to the cervical spine and the nuchal ligament has occurred. The excess foam dripping from the mouth is caused by compression of the throatlatch, which impairs the ability to swallow. This is a scientific fact and I will not debate it any further.

@@martimasters7704 I said it once and I'll say it again. You can't train a horse in Rollkur, and then when he steps out into the ring, you ride a totally different way. It's physically and mentally impossible for the horse to understand that in his own arena he's ridden Rollkur, but suddenly at competitions he's ridden differently. Just not possible, not to mention that Rollkur is banned in FEI.

@@XxShellyW13xX Which raises the very serious problem in dressage today - particularly in Europe - when will the judges be selected that have the backbone to ring the damn bell when horses exhibiting hypeflexion, excessive foaming at the bit, and strung out hindquarters be excused from the ring like Dujardin's miserable performance on Valegro ?!?

Like a swiss movement. Great show

Ya

Truly my pony did. At times she extended for far she'd kick her mouth with her front legs.

Teb rggyb g😘

A showman to the very end.

Snowman_Fred like a cat lol

😂

When your friends horse is Valegro’s sibling 😬

Im i love with every single thing on him

I didn’t know that but that’s adorable

I agree but I think Mulberry would’ve suited him better

Apparently Carl hester calls all of his horses by fruit and veg for their stable name lol

Thats true, and if someone was yanking on the horse's mouth it'd be clear.

This! I cry every time.

@@MuscleAndFuss I cry, too! I know nothing about horses, except they are beautiful animals - but I love watchin dressage. So gland I found this performance.

I owned a perfect show dog a toy poodle who was such a performer she didn’t even need a handler. She won Best Veteran at age 13 owner handled and many other awards. We competed against people with tons of money and to win anything is amazing but when your animal knows what they are doing and they love it and they give it their all. They love the applause, they love performing, she knew when we were going to a dog show. She cried and made sure she went too. She was a once in a lifetime dog, we never had another like her. She was always on a diet too because she loved to eat and she could have got fat if we didn’t watch it and she would do anything for liver. The ones who are motivated by food are great.This horse is absolutely aware that he is a winner and he loves doing it. He says yes my audience loves me.

Yes. I am verklempt!

He sure did. He loved the love ❤️. As did makybe diva

I love you velegro and Charlotte and I will mis you. Goodbye velegro

Desmodus Draculae f

yeah he does

Desmodus Rotundus What a singularly beautiful coat color, it looks like mocha and blue mixed if at all possible.

My icelandic horse has the same colur XD

Occulta what happened to totilas?

what happend to Totilas? 😨

Emma and Franciszka - Totilas was ruined by hyperflexion from the very beginning. The fact that he was sold didn't make it better, what followed was a series of injuries and now he remains in our memories with lameness and a performance that was nowhere near it's peak. I don't think that Rath or the new owners were the only ones to blame, but they certainly didn't improve things for Totilas. The difference between him and Valegro, between success and downfall lies in the handling, the training method and the owners, making the right or wrong decisions. The mind of a horse is an important key to success which is, sadly, often forgotten. Now which horse do you think was happier throughout it's career?

That is so sad.. He is such a great horse. I wish that they had not taken advantage of him.. I guess some people can get greedy when money is involved with the sport.. I hope he is okay..

They never took advantage of Valegro. I have been around horses all my life. Dressage is hard and if a horse does not want to do something , he will not do it. Valegro is such a relaxed horse. He rarely swishes his tail, always pricks his ears forward. HE loved performing!

He floats.

There are some equestrian events where the abuse is evident and nothing done. I had three horses during the time I could ride. I had to leave many boarding stables and events because I objected to people beating their horse.

every minute, waiting for the cue from charlotte! such a beautiful team

It's also easy to tell when a horse is trained with abusive methods, they are stiff and have brisk, quick movements, and pinned ears, it's also harder for them to extend in a trot since they are trying to become as small as possible. Valegro is a beautiful horse, he loves the people he works with and is happily enjoying his retirement.

🙄🙄🙄

So sad😶

Reptilewolf detail: she had let go of the reins. He actually had his head. By the way, she always does that with her horses. And they all just give a nice stretch and enjoy the crowd. She is a horse whisperer.

I hope he reads all of these comments bc that is just a gorgeous animal...I hope he lives a long and happy life

Tina Windham 7

He also knows everyone is there to see him. Beautiful horse!

I've never really liked seeing dressage due to reports of items embedded in hooves to make the horses step more delicately because of the pain - or seeing their heads pulled to unnatural angles just to look better - this horse looks happy

I've never really liked seeing dressage due to reports of items embedded in hooves to make the horses step more delicately because of the pain - or seeing their heads pulled to unnatural angles just to look better - this horse looks happy

finally someone understands

Carol McIntyre Absolutely right. Horses are incredibly intelligent. If they develop a strong bond with their rider, the relationship can be hard to quantify. But, much like some dog breeds, they love to please their human. This horse has light reins, and is aware of the applause. So beautiful. Enjoy being spoiled in retirement.

Ciara Lukeis Valegro was playing with the bit. That means his mouth is soft and not sensitive . Her reins were not tight if you know how to ride . Also it’s common sense to have your reigns tight when cantering for control. How about you learn a little before acting like a smarty

Finally someone who knows what they are talking about. Agreed!

Wow ❤

well said x

WOW!

Yeah she treats him far better than most competitors would and this is proof that people don't have to be tough on their horses to get the best out of them.

I FULLY CONCUR, BEAUTIFULLY STATED!

Why would he owe her anything? Lol hes doing all the work

I was thinking the same thing. I had a horse growing up that I couldn't practice any patterns or dressage tests with her because she would try to do it by herself...miss her a lot

@@nurembergangel what happened,?

After 15 wonderful years I unfortunately had to put her down 😞 hardest decision of my life

Mimi B-L hahahaha i saw that 😂😂

@@nurembergangel im so sorry to hear that

Beautiful, beautiful! But why did they change the rule stopping her from wearing a top hat?! Do the rule changers really think she might fall and land on her head?! C’mon!!

@@jillyonge1669 What's the problem with a helmet? It's more safe than wearing a hat. The hat may look better but doesn't offer as much protection as a helmet.

@@Avocatito m

@@jillyonge1669 Actually it was Charlotte's choice to wear her hard hat - these ones are custom made especially for her. and she believes in safety when riding - even on the incredible Valegro !

As arguably the top rider in the world she is setting a great example to riders all over the world by wearing her hat, especially the young ones!

yeet ?? You can still ride

Dressage to music songs not everybody....

Were still riding what you do put your horses in a bubble really. Yes C19 messed us this season but your comment was very uncalled for. Smh

catzndolz are you actually being serious???

catzndolz so you’re saying that every governing body in the world has decided to play a practical joke on the civilians and end up killing some of them. Sure, that sounds legitimate. If it was only a handful I’d maybe consider it, but every country? No

That horse has an impeccable musical tempo and he certainly knows how to plié.

Nurejev as a horse♥️😂👍

I wish you the best!

Pyropell yeah right that’s not how it works

Why not be an equestrian 😂 I know very well how it works as I am a champion dressage rider. I’m still not good enough for Olympic level but one day maybe lol

@@mageofdoomsie1598 do not ever say the rider has to sit there. do not say that like ever.

Equestrian 3 I didn’t mean it like that I swear, I’m a dressage rider too so I know. I was just pointing out that Valegro looked like he had the whole thing memorized 😁 I’m not dissing any rider don’t worry

@@mageofdoomsie1598 i am so so sorry... i thought u were one of those ppl who say riding is easy and u just sit there...ik exactly what u mean about Valegro now :) he is a very special one! again I am sorry for the misunderstanding

Banshee Queen Me too!

Banshee Queen Clipped dark bay. Clipping the coat means you see alot more dark skin colour.

so true, my liver chestnut looks amazing when he's clipped as well!

I see so few horses clipped I'm always confused for a moment seeing them before I realise they're clipped

he’s a smokey black i think-

Tanks for saying this! People who know nothing are saying he's abused but he's the least abused horse in the entirety of dressage. If you watch Carl Hester's yard tour, you can see he even gets plenty of turnout, unlike many other Grand Prix horses.

Dances? Ever see a horse in nature just randomly dance? Another stupid human behavior forced onto an animal... smh.

raysofgreys horses actually do have a mating Dance like some other animals, some horses do ‘dance’ as a nature of their own

Agreed 100%

@@raysofgreys they might not dance, but haven't you ever seen them play? Horses play, at times is like a dance. Exuberance, and fun and believe me, they understand the applause too.

My friend has Valegro’s sister Rosie they are hoping to make her as successful as Valegro! This is no joke!! I’m so proud of how far he has come, well done Valegro! ❤️

My Arabian is always all “yes, look at me, for I am amazing!”

My Arabian is a mare and she has the sass of a three year old 😂

@@hollymcmorris8062 Mine is an older gelding but he acts like a six year old, spooking and acting like a young horse!

Haha gotta love em tho 😂

My Dutch Warmblood gelding is like: “Yes yes I know, I’m handsome.”

I meant modle, crazy auto correct

Phoebe Baisch u

I noticed that. Also, when he came back in for the last time, he couldn’t help but start to perform. He seems so attentive to the crowd.

Noticed that as well....free reins and he is adknowledgin the crowd.

j9andphoenix who’s Matine?

Dani P j

@@daniethorne Google Blue Hors Matine

Most people don't know anything about horses or riding. Just ignore them! We know better

It is a proven scientific fact that hyperflexion causes irreparable internal damage and immense pain. So you can get off your soapbox and quit changing the topic from abuse to a pitiful attempt to bully those of us who have forgotten more about dressage than you will ever know.

@@martimasters7704 I don’t see the horse going behind the poll at all ????

IKR these hoomans know nothing about dressage smh

@@artandanimation4119 There is no such thing as "going behind the poll". The poll should be the highest point of the horse and what we see as the highest point in this video is the arch of the neck at the 4-5th vertebrae. If you don't understand this, then look straight between the ears when the horse is being ridden towards you. If you can see the neck between the ears, then the poll is not the highest point. In addition, the horse is foaming excessively at the mouth and it is dripping onto the floor of the arena. A quiet moist mouth is normal, but that is not what this horse displays. Excessive foam occurs when the neck is compressed, constricting both the esophagus and the trachea, which results in the horse's inability to swallow. So, as saliva forms in the horse's mouth, it has nowhere to go except drip out of the mouth. All these comments about "most people don't know anything about horses or riding. Just ignore them!" is both stupid and a very lame attempt to invalidate anyone who disagrees. The truth is, this horse is being ridden with hyperflexion and no one here has to really say anything. The proof is in the video.

Well said Ellie.

Dbfycgb is a great

Umm........... those reins look VERY tight.

Only part of what you said it correct. Yes foaming is a soften in the mouth by the head isn't taken past the vertical so there's technically no pulling. Bits should also not be brought into this as there's nothing related to dressage with bits generalized.

Well usely When a horse is listening it has 1 Ear back and 1 in front also to everyone talking about the bit i hate bits myself But heres the thing valegro is treated amazingly and having a horrible bit like that in his mouth for a few minutes isn’t horrible considering When He came Home He was groomed and washed until He was shiny He has a Nice Big stall and goes into the pasture everyday

Breathtaking performance!

😋fosffp fohohobf ogogoefo of dvdosfosdg fofod dococoo ododdocodoodoodoofldoffof cof odod

No

What a wonderful pair happy retirement

Jassi Swiss / combination*

Think blue horse martine was also pretty amazing

@@lilhonni (nobody cares)

fus ro dahhh m8 / you apparently do

It is pretty impressive, mayhem around him and he is on free rein just taking everything in with aplomb.

What happened to Totillas ?

@@riverpool389 Totilas first owners sold him to a team and the new rider could never bond with him. Totilas had a very strong character and he ended up being mis-handled. He got injured a few times so he was retired for reproduction and then he was injured again and he was sent into full retirement. In short, this horse was ruined by his new owners. He had a fantastic bond with his first rider, Edward Gal, who bought and is now training one of Totilas sons.

@@kadovax6567 I only saw this now soz

kadova x I could be mistaken, but if you watch Totillas when he’s at the extended trot, his hind hooves never reach the track of his front. Which is part of what caused him to end up going lame. At the extended trot, the horse is suppose to stretch out with both the front and hind legs. Not only the front. Which makes a lot of the things they ask for in dressage so much easier on the horse. Again, I could be mistaken. All of us could be, we weren’t actually there to see everything going on behind the scenes with the horse when he was with Edward, or when sold to his new owner.

Tail swishing is not a bad thing in dressage. Horses use their tails for balance and even excitement as can cause it. In dressage, its all about balance. Just because Valegro didn't do it and if another horse does do it, doesn't mean its a bad thing. These Horses have been checked out. Horses hold their tails high in excitement when they canter. Arabs do it naturally. In horse racing, if a horse has had enough, its tired and pushed, these horses will move their tail up and down vertically, signalling this. But if we look at most animals with a tail. Excessive moving of a tail generates an excitement. Dogs, pigs, goats, cows, giraffes, elephants.

Oo u play sso

GenKatQltr the music, at this level, is played and recorded to match his natural steps

Allegro was a once in a lifetime horse that could perform to any type of music. It was so sad to see him retire and there will NEVER be a better horse. Yes, he had the best trainers but it does require the best horse to achieve what he achieved in performance! We miss you Allegro!!!

😍😘

Charlotte Schneider VanHagen Allegro 😅😂? It’s Valegro

@@cissy3994 tbf the subtitles said allegro sometimes. Probably where they got it from.

Intresting

Yes which meams she is NOT pulling on the reins she would never ever hurt her horse, I look up too her soo much as a beginner in dressage!

You do dressage??!!! Wow!!!!

@@Zena-Diaz ⓦⓔⓛⓛ ⓘⓣ ⓘⓢ ⓐ ⓛⓔⓐⓡⓝⓘⓝⓖ ⓟⓡⓞⓒⓔⓢⓢ

@@Zena-Diaz I'm not sure if you meant that as an actual question or as something to say I'm being dumb and I don't know what I'm talking about, if you were actually asking, no I don't do dressage I am a jumper, but i know it takes alot of skill and it's super cool, if you meant it the other way however, I'm really sorry about that, and even though i don't do dressage I know alot about horses in general and I did say it CAN mean, and SOMETIMES ( capitals aren't shouting they're just to label the words so they stand out😊) and I'm really sorry you feel that way, no matter what you meant, thank you for reading my comment and I genuinely hope you have a good day/night 😊❤🐴

Question? Do you lead them with your hands or your feet or both? Dressage is so beautiful.

Soft hands don't matter

FireWork Arts and why is that

How soft or hard your hands are don't matter it matters what bit you have, nosebands, your "soft" hands don't matter when it's a disgusting bit.

@@kerryadamson1092 I honestly don't know what you are talking about. This kind of bit is not an issue if he can open his mouth and he very much can.

@@TrueLoveGuard the bit is not the problem, the horse looks unconfutable, I just said I hate bits.

Lol, and me 4! I guess we can say it was more than worth the wait🤩

Edye D. Yes xD

I also play sso😊

OMG same here.... I live in Germany and it's exactly 02:36 right now, but 3 weeks later 😂

I watched Criminal Minds back than lol

Well this is a great way to spend your time at 2:36 in the morning!

wait it's 2:36am for me too 👀 haha I will forever love Valegro though I can always save time for him

FR, ME RIGHT NOW. ITS MIDNIGHT AND IM HERE WATCHING VALEGRO BECAUSE HE IS AMAZING

She'll get many more horses in the years to come, and maybe there will be another horse just as great as Valegro----who knows?

Oh no, don't feel bad for her! She will never forget Valegro, she will never forget what he brought her, she will never forget what he taught her. Don't feel bad because it's over, be excited for the future

@@Alice-nr4oh and his babies. :😁

Charlotte is fine people made her a valegro rocking horse for her and she competed on pumpkin spice this year and won !

@@kristenharral4707 He's actually a gelding 😅

Delaney Richardson I agree. Three cheers for the duo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Delaney Richardson gerard!!

My tomato man I'm actually screeching what why are the 'emos' here

That extended canter omggg

Delaney Richardson Edward and totilas❤️

And it changes to a beautiful silver under the lights. Just a gorgeous horse.

Beautiful horse

♥️

Exactly and it shows that they have good posture lol

_phxebs_ “Wait, you wanted to walk forward, how about I don’t? No? Too bad.”

Lol

Same but my horse apparently when he’s going to walk he apparently doesn’t know how to

Oh my goodness my 22 year old took off with me in a full on gallop... That was my first time at a gallop and damn he was fast

Wish I had a horse...

What does a tail swish mean? Sorry I’m new to horse back riding XD. I only started a little whole ago.

@@WisteriaWinds its a horses way to show that its pain

@@olivialea1999 oh ok. I didnt know that. Thanks!

@@WisteriaWinds when a horse is content and not swiping at flies, the tail is straight. When it’s mad or agitated the tail will flip back and forth.

@@savvyvenus ok. But if the horse is swiping at flies is doesn’t always mean that the horse is in pain right?

And horn

Me lol

Me

Yes and love it!

Ya

Ya

Haha there’s a dog in Britain knows 300 words! I have 3...I’ve tried to teach them “glasses” “keys” nope, none of them could care less if I can’t find my glasses...

I mean, I guess he's technically cantering 😂

lol so true

It's rarely the horses fault

@@sheep8128 not all of us are Olympic level trainers

Western as well. I dont understand dressage, Ive never liked english style riding but Valegro is stunning. Maybe its my ignorance at the sport but i just don't get it haha Ive seen amazingly trained circus horses that do the exact same without a rider and by command only so maybe im just not understanding the sport but i dont get it. Regardless, Valegro is stunning but poor thing is chewing that bit like a madman lol maybe theyre giving him sugar cubes??? But can you imagine what his stable stall and trailer looks like? I bet his trailer is air conditioned/heated and is nicer than my entire house haha at least it better be, he deserves it.

Try reining, it's like western dressage.

I rode English for many years and when I came to Colorado I trained "western" horses with dressage. Dressage basics are the best for all ridden horses whether they are ridden English or Western. Leg actions are minimal. I rode & trained a horse in VT who was so responsive I could just flex my calf muscles and he'd respond. Valegro IS a very happy horse who loves his "job."

Pat Beekman you are the second person I’ve met that uses dressage for western training. I believe that dressage should be trained before anything, I preach that when I’m training horses. It’s the softest touches and teaches you a seat so well!

You could always try Western Dressage!

Simply Schleich Omg simply you are my favorite schleich youtuber! I absoulutelyl LOVE fornever

Where did you find your profile pic?

♥️