Charlotte Dujardin was this week named the Sunday Times and Sky Sports Sportswoman of the Year for 2014.
Speaking live via a video link in Australia, Dujardin said: “Thank you very much. I am really privileged to accept this award. I am sorry I can’t be there but I am in Melbourne at present.
“I have an incredible relationship with my horse Valegro. I have been working with him for eight years now. We know each other inside out. He’s like my dance partner out there.
“In fact, he should be up on the stage receiving the award, too. But he’s at home in the stables!
“I would like to thank all my fans and my whole backroom team. People like Carl Hester and many others who have helped me to get to where I am today. I have had an incredible four years in my sport – what I have achieved is unbelievable.”
The double Olympic champion has been recognised after maintaining her dominance of the dressage world throughout this year.
The 29-year-old won two individual gold medals (in the special and freestyle dressage) and a team silver at this summer’s world equestrian games in Caen in north-west France.
The Gloucestershire-based rider currently holds freestyle and special titles at Olympic, European and world level. Elsewhere this year, Dujardin was victorious at the dressage World Cup finals in Lyon in April.
Dujardin is the third horsewoman to win the main Sportswoman award. Pippa Funnell and Zara Phillips were crowned Sportswoman of the Year in 2003 and 2005 respectively.
