British dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin has sold her Grand Prix horse Fernandez.
The 11-year old chestnut Westfalian, by Florestan x Weinberg is off to Kleppenhus, Denmark today (13 September) where he will be owned and ridden by Norwegian team rider Cathrine Rasmussen.
Ms Rasmussen lost her number one horse Orlando to colic on 29 August and has been looking for a replacement.
Charlotte’s employer Carl Hester brought Fernandez out onto the international scene in January, riding him at CDI Zwolle and CDI Vidauban.
And Charlotte, who was on the gold-winning team at the European dressage championships made her grand prix debut on him at Addington in April, scoring 70+.
Since then offers for the gelding have been pouring in and Charlotte has finally decided to sell.
“I’ve just done the hardest thing and that is saying good bye to my best friend in the whole world Fernandez,” she said.
“I owe every thing to him. He is the most amazing horse I could have ever owed, perfect in every way and whenever things get tough he always puts a smile on my face.
“I will never forget all the wonderful things we have achieved together from novice to grand prix.”
Picture by Kevin Sparrow