CHARLOTTE Dujardin, the queen of world dressage, has been named Sunday Times & Sky Sports Sportswoman of the Year.

The 29-year-old from Newent won gold in the individual and team events at London 2012 on-board Dutch gelding Valegro.

She also collected freestyle and special titles at world and European level and won at the dressage World Cup finals in Lyon in April.

Charlotte is currently in Melbourne, Australia, but accepted her award via a video link, saying: "'I have an incredible relationship with my horse Valegro. I have been working with him for eight years now and 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."

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