Imhotep

Charlotte Dujardin’s top horse is brilliant, bouncy – but not as bold as he might seem

- Polly Bryan

RIDER CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN

“IMHOTEP, aka Pete, was so naughty as a young horse. I remember him being ridden by Rob Barker as a four-year-old and I have never in my entire life seen a horse buck like he could. I’d give Rob a gold medal – I have no idea how he used to stay on. Pete just had so much physical ability to buck and he has always been so cheeky; if he thought he could unseat you he would try, and he did get a few of our staff off when he came to us aged five. But I think he met his match with me.

“Pete feels like he is on springs to ride. He doesn’t look as bouncy as he feels, but he is unbelievably springy and powerful. He has a full engine and wants to go all the time – going slow is hard with him. But that is what’s made him a top grand prix horse. He has so much willingness and energy and his ability to do the movements is there. He’s a real character too.