Charlotte Fry and Ilegro to over 71%: ‘I think a very special horse for the future’

Charlotte Fry and Ilegro to over 71%: ‘I think a very special horse for the future’
Source: Horses
Charlotte Fry has taken over the reins of Pavo Cup finalist Ilegro (Inclusive out of Jalegrofleur ster pref PROK by Negro, breeder Van Olst Horses from Den Hout and Joop Hanse from Burgh-Haamstede) since the beginning of 2025 and has now formed a successful combination with the seven-year-old stallion. At the Subtop competition last Friday in Delft, the combination rode the Prix St. Georges for the third time and achieved the beautiful score of 71.765%. That was good for first place and a new personal record.
Ilegro was previously ridden by Van Olst rider Zandra Birkeland. She rode the NRPS-approved stallion to third place in the final of the Pavo Cup for six-year-olds last year. “I started riding Ilegro at the beginning of this year and we are still a fairly new combination. Ilegro is a very nice horse and I think very special for the future. He has a fantastic character and great movements”, says Lottie.
Lottie and Ilegro made their debut last April and immediately started in the Prix St. Georges. After the debut in Houten, Heeswijk-Dinther followed at the beginning of May. There, the duo came second with 71.397%. In Delft, they went one step further with 71.765%. “It went very well and this was absolutely our best test so far. Ilegro was very relaxed and gave a super good feeling. We had a small mistake in the series every three, but I don’t mind, he is only seven.”
Ilegro, bred by Van Olst Horses and Joop Hanse, is a son of Inclusive, who was ridden by Lottie up to and including the international Grand Prix, and comes from a full sister of Valegro (by Negro). “Ilegro certainly has similarities with Inclusive. He is just as supple and has the great movements of his father. But Ilegro also has a lot of the Negro side, such as the strong hind leg. This is a very good combination.”
WC selection
The third and final selection for the WC for Young Dressage Horses is now planned for Lottie and Ilegro. “I really hope that Ilegro can go to the WC. He is definitely ready for it and has the talent.