Book 1

The first in a series for children that tells the real-life story of Valegro, known to his friends as Blueberry. Valegro is quite simply a phenomenon. He is the best dressage horse the world has ever seen, and possibly the best horse. With his young rider he has won Olympic, World and European Gold medals, the World Cup twice, and he holds all 3 world records in dressage. He is the only horse ever to hold all these medals and records at the same time and not surprisingly is ranked number one in the world. Valegro will compete for Great Britain at this year’s Olympics in Rio – in London 2012 he won team and individual gold medals for Great Britain. The combination of Valegro and his young rider and their trainer is outstanding and charted as one of the most successful in the world of sport and equestrianism ever. Behind this success is a truly outstanding trainer, mentor, horse-owner and friend – Carl Hester – who gave up the ride on the best horse in the world to his young pupil so Great Britain could have a chance at an unprecedented Olympic team Gold Medal, knowing he could ride his other team horse (Uthopia) to achieve a high score too. This, book one of ‘The Blueberry Stories’, tells of the trials, tribulations, adventures and characters Valegro meets along the way to success in a child-friendly fictional format. A series will follow and includes a learning and technical aspect to pass on some equestrian knowledge in a fun and friendly way, edited to Key Stage 2 to make them suitable for use in schools. This rags-to-riches story of a small horse rising from humble beginnings to become the best the world has seen is a unique, heart-warming and compelling read. The books will appeal to all young readers as well as equestrian fans.

Book 2

Valegro – The Early Years

by Carl Hester

Published 26 April 2017
The second book in a series for children that tells the real-life story of Valegro, informally known as Blueberry. Valegro! Everyone has heard of the most famous dressage horse in the world, star of two Olympic Games, known at home as Blueberry. 


The second book in The Blueberry Stories documents his phenomenal rise to fame, brought to life by his trainer and co-owner, Carl Hester, told to equestrian author Janet Rising. The little brown horse has to learn his craft and it isn’t long before Carl has him entered for some important competitions. But will Blueberry be able to display his amazing potential? Will Carl be pleased with his pupil and continue training? Or will the prejudices of the other horses he encounters, who look down on him because of his lack of height, affect Blueberry’s confidence? 



Valegro – The Early Years continues Blueberry’s story in his own words and not only tells his life before he became famous, but gives an insight into one of the world’s top dressage yards, together with all its inhabitants. Follow Blueberry’s amazing journey as he works hard to follow his dream of becoming the best dressage horse the world has ever seen. 



This book continues the series and includes learning and technical aspects to pass on some equestrian knowledge and morals in a fun and friendly way, edited to Key Stage 2 making them suitable for use in schools and learning programmes. Ideal for readers aged 7-12, the young at heart and all animal lovers.

Book 3

Valegro - A Rising Star

by Carl Hester

Published 15 August 2017
Valegro – A Rising Star is the long-awaited book three about the story of Valegro, the most successful and famous dressage horse in the world! 



Valegro – Blueberry to his friends – is continuing his dressage career. At last he is fulfilling his ambition, to become a top-class dressage horse, but there is one thing missing – the perfect rider to accompany him on his amazing journey. Carl is on the lookout, but nobody seems up to the task of partnering this amazing horse. And Blueberry has other hurdles to overcome, unexpected emotions which threaten to jeopardise his ambitions and Carl's plans for him.
Will Blueberry's best friend, little one-eyed Lulu, be able to help him fulfil the dream held by every equine athlete, the ultimate aim of working towards being selected for the Olympic Games? 



Valegro – A Rising Star gives a fascinating insight into the making of a world-class dressage horse by one of the world's most accomplished, respected and successful dressage riders and trainers, Carl Hester. With the help of Blueberry's friends human and equine – and his special canine friend, Lulu – readers will be swept along in this amazing true-life story of the world's most famous dressage horse, identifying with Blueberry as he overcomes his problems of insecurity and jealousy which threaten to turn his dreams to dust. Will Carl find a rider worthy of this amazing horse he values so highly? Even if he does the new rider – and Blueberry – will still need to form an extra special partnership, and work as one to succeed! 



Valegro – A Rising Star, is the third book in The Blueberry series, specially written for all young readers who have been captivated by the most successful dressage horse of all time. Written from the viewpoint of Blueberry, each book contains fascinating insights into the training and everyday life at one of the world's top dressage yards, with Blueberry's friends making their own, vital, contribution to help the little brown horse on his amazing journey.