The equestrian world was saddened to hear the news of the passing of Valegro (Blueberry) and Uthopia (Uti), two of the greatest dressage horses of all time, on Monday (1 December).

The two horses, who had lived together for many years both during their competitive careers and in retirement, died together at home, Carl Hester revealed in a social media post on Monday evening.

Both horses appeared at Your Horse Live on several occasions. In fact, when Blueberry made his debut there he was only a young horse, before he’d started to shine on the world stage, and Carl, convinced of the horse’s talent early on, was already calling him ‘The Professor’.

Valegro later returned for meet and greets, which were always a sell-out. One of his groom Alan Davies’ favourite memories is Blueberry sticking his head through the curtain to say ‘hello’, while waiting for Charlotte to finish her main arena demo.

‘It was an honour’

Show director Emma Bedford paid tribute to Valegro: “It was always an honour to have him with us at Your Horse Live. When he came in during Charlotte’s demo to meet his fans you could see he absolutely loved the stage and the bond between horse and rider was clear to see. 

“So too was the bond with his fans — everyone flocked to meet him and it was always a very special occasion. 

“Valegro was a true legend — beautiful and kind, and a horse that we at Your Horse Live will remember fondly.”

Cover star

Uthopia also appeared at Your Horse Live. Alan recalls the time the horse piaffed with him on board, unintentionally, in front of Carl during an interview.

Uti also figured large in the Your Horse office, as he was a model for several photoshoots alongside Alan, including this one about bandaging and this one about poulticing a hoof.

The handsome stallion appears in many images on this website as well as in the magazine.

“On behalf of myself and the wider Your Horse team, our thoughts are with Charlotte, Carl, Alan, and all Valegro and Uthopia’s connections and fans at this very sad time,” added Emma.

Your memories

What did the pair mean to you? The following tributes are Your Horse Live visitors’ memories of Valegro at our show.

My horse was stabled behind Blueberry

“I was so lucky to meet Blueberry at Your Horse Live in 2019. My horse was stabled behind him for the day,” says Debbie Robinson. “

Alan and Blueberry were lovely and meeting them both was a day I will never forget. RIP Blueberry and Uti. Galloping & eating together forever.”

Breathing the same air as Valegro

Celia Holmes remembers being at Your Horse Live and letting a little girl go in front of her so that she could see Valegro up close.

“She said, ‘I’m breathing the same air as Valegro’. That’s how huge a star he was,” recalls Celia.

Young and already phenomenal

Jill Robson first saw Valegro in a demo at Your Horse Live.

“It must have been one of the first times Carl brought him to the show. Blueberry, I think, was six or seven, a few years before the 2012 Olympics, but he was already phenomenal and being called ‘The Professor’ by Carl.

“I’m sorry to have never met Uti, but he was also such a great horse. My sympathy to all their connections.” 

It was such a surprise when Valegro came out!

“It was such a surprise when Charlotte brought Blueberry out at Your Horse Live and a memory I’ll cherish,” says Natalie Marsh.

I’ll never wash this rug again!

Gini Blake’s favourite memories are watching Charlotte and Valegro in action at the London 2012 Olympics, where they won dual gold, and meeting Blueberry at home.

“It was a cold day, so I took my rug, which I never washed again. Beautiful Valegro. Tears of joy at London and tears of sadness when we heard the very sad news of both horses [dying].

“It’s so hard to make these decisions and let go of such special creatures. We are privileged to spend times and care for our horses in a very short time.”

A memory to cherish

Marilyn Roberts also saw Valegro at Your Horse Live.

“It’s so very sad to hear of the passing of two wonderful horses. To meet such a wonderful horse will stay with me always. Run free, Blueberry and Uti. Together forever.”

Changing the status of British Dressage

Gwen Sawyer’s stand-out memory is Charlotte and Blueberry’s freestyle test at London 2012.

“There’ll never be another like that,” she says. “Carl and Uti changing the status of British Dressage and putting us up there with the best of the best in the world.

“There are no words strong enough to describe these dressage icons. RIP and thoughts are with Carl, Charlotte, Alan and the rest of the team.” 

Unforgettable experience

Lisa Luck burst into tears after the surprise of getting to pat Blueberry.

“I went to watch a demo with Charlotte Dujardin and at the end she came out on Valegro and walked straight up to where I was sitting in the front row and said, ‘Here he is, you’re free to meet him’,” says Lisa.

“I instantly got up, burst into tears and stroked him. I couldn’t believe we were allowed to actually touch him.

“It was one of the best days of my life, getting to meet my hero. Such a soft kind horse and a total legend. Will never forget you, rest in peace you special boy.”

The best birthday present

Richard Williams received the best birthday present when he celebrated with a trip to Carl Hester’s yard and got to meet Valegro.

“I’m so lucky to have met Valegro with Carl at his yard. It was a special day,” says Richard.

Moved by the music

Watching London 2012 and the way Valegro moved in sync with his freestyle music, is Gail Bradley’s treasured memory.

“Land of Hope and Glory. The music reached a crescendo and then he started to do an unbelievable extended trot. Tears streamed down my face and my heart soared with pride. Unbeatable, the best test ever by the great Valegro.”

Main image of Valegro at Your Horse Live © Your Horse Library. Other images by the YHL spectators quoted.

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