Dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin: ‘I go away once a year – no horses for 10 days’

Sleep I’m one of those people who needs their sleep. If I don’t get enough I can be pretty grumpy, so I go to bed early and wake early. I start riding by 7.30am and I’m usually so exhausted from a day’s training my head is on the pillow by 9.30pm. I might watch a bit of telly but then I’m out; I’m like an old person. I’ve always been a deep sleeper; not even the prospect of an Olympic final keeps me awake.

Eat I work with a personal trainer who makes sure I get the right combination of carbs, protein and fats. Everything is worked out to sync with what I’m physically doing each day. For breakfast I’ll have scrambled eggs on wholemeal toast; a chicken wrap and salad for lunch; a healthy meal of meat and lots of vegetables for dinner, plus two snacks of nuts and fruit. On days off I love apple crumble and ice-cream.

Work I often work seven days a week, riding from 7.30 till 5pm, then training at the gym, plus I teach at the weekend, but the days don’t feel long because my job is my passion. I’m much better with a routine. I have a proper holiday once a year where I don’t see a horse for 10 days; I can’t afford to physically or mentally burn myself out.

Family My family is very supportive of what I do and always come to competitions. I see my parents and my siblings regularly but balancing my career with a relationship can be difficult as I’m away a lot. I’m really grateful my fiance Dean respects and understands what I do. He has nothing to do with horses – he’s a builder – which is nice. I could never be with someone who did the same as me because I’m too competitive.

Fun I love shopping. I find it therapeutic. I clothes shop mainly but also buy stuff for my house, my horses, and my dogs, who I love taking for a good walk. I like hanging out with my friends, who aren’t horsey, to get a dose of normality. I’m terrible at sitting around doing nothing. Dean is always like, “Why can’t you just sit down and relax?” but I find it a waste to do nothing so I end up tidying or organising. It’s just the way I am.