Charlotte Dujardin Sells Gio, Olympic & European Championship Mount, to Annabella Pidgley, British Junior Rider

Charlotte Dujardin has sold Gio, her Olympic and European Championship mount and No. 3 in world, to Annabella Pidgley, 16-year-old British Junior rider.

“It’s with bittersweet emotions that I can tell you that the wonderful Pumpkin is now owned by Junior rider, Annabella Pidgley, Charlotte said on her Facebook page Monday.

“As many of you know who own horses, run yards and compete, this is certainly not a sport for the faint hearted and comes with many highs and many lows; horses being the incredible levellers that they are.

“In order to maintain a position in sport, especially in high level sport, at times, these difficult decisions need to be made. I am so thankful that I do not have to do this regularly, as it is always such a hard thing to let go of animals that we see as our family.

“The wonderful thing about this, is Pumpkin will continue his journey under the British flag with a rider and family who I have known for many years. Annabella is one of the most promising riders in our country, and works so hard to develop herself and her horses, whilst giving them nothing but five star care. I will train the pairing, so I am delighted that our precious Pumpkin will stay in my life and I will still see him on a regular basis.

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