Carl HesterValegro: Champion Horse

I love this book; not only does it give you the story of his life but it shows you how many people love this horse and how much he loves them. It shows you in photos him growing up and starting out and how he looks now. There are beautiful photos of him showing at the different events with various riders as he moved up the levels and their thoughts about him while they were riding him. Being a rider of 56yrs I can say that this is one of the most beautiful books about a horse I have ever read and not just because of the pictures. Valegro is so loved by so many people; some of them not even real "horse" people and he shows love to all he comes in contact with. He's funny, sweet, a hard worker, a good traveler, opinionated about some things e.g. small stalls, etc. This book will make you laugh, make you want to ride better, make you happy to have a horse even if they're not a grand champion, teach you what's important about owning and loving a horse, etc. We can't all care for them at a multi-million level but we can treat them all with love and respect. My favorite thing about this horse's story is that he wasn't sold after he won everything because they felt he would not be treated as he was used to; meaning hacked out at least 2 days a week, turned out in the field to play in the mud, meeting people that come to see him on the open days, etc. They felt he would be wrapped in bubble wrap and only go from his stall to the arena and back. Very few people in this day and age care so much for their horses that they don't sell them and that they take them back when they retire from competition as Carl does. I hope this book sheds some light on really caring for your horse as a horse not as something like a car.

Loved this book, vsry informative and pictures are gorgeous.

Not at all what I expected. Mainly a picture book. Expected something a bit more like Carl Hester's MakingIt Happen.

Written from the heart, beautiful photos, one of my favourite reads ever. Many people who wrote about their relationship with Valegro referred to him as a person....an old soul. Valegro never stops touching the hearts of his fans.

Perfect!

Phenomenal horse, phenomenal story!

Loved this book. Easy to read, factual and the input from all his connections adds much interest.

Great book lovely photos

I bought this book formy Wife as a Christmas present two christmasses ago. I have also had the pleasure of reading this gem of a book and have found it interesting to say the least. It is very informative and has some great pictures which are an essential part of the book.Carl Hester changed dressage around the world and this horse was a part of that. Whilst he did ride Valegro, he never had the same 'click' that Charlotte Dujardin had with him. I would recommend this read to anyone who is even remotely interested in dressage or indeed horses.

I bought this book as a gift for my friend who took care of my horse while I was ill being treated for cancer. She is a massive fan of Karl Hester and of Valegro so I pre ordered this book immediately.I was thrilled when it arrived, it truly is a magnificent book. Beautifully written with the most stunning photographs. It honestly IS a work of art!My friend was over the moon with it.This really is a must for any fans of this magnificent creature.

Loved it! It would be useless for a download, because the pictures are such an important part of the book... The contributions/commentaries by the various experts, owners, etc are so illuminating and just as with Carl's autobiography, you just feel that he is by your side telling the story. A superb book that I much enjoyed.

A marvellous record of this wonderful superstar..

Fantastic book. Daughter loved it