Dujardin, 31, secured a third Olympic gold medal with a routine that scored 93.857 per cent.

She becomes only the second British woman to win three Olympic gold medals, matching cyclist Laura Trott.

"I feel a little bit overwhelmed," said Dujardin, who also won team dressage gold four years ago.

The victory also makes her the first British woman to retain an individual Olympic title after she struck gold in this event at London 2012.

"It's absolutely amazing," she added.

"It's a really emotional time. 

"I wish my mum and dad were here but I really want to thank everyone who has supported me."

It was the 31-year-old's second medal of the Rio games after she helped Team GB to win a silver medal in the team dressage competition.

Dujardin was riding Valegro, the same horse that she won on in 2012, and her routine, which scored the third highest total in dressage history, was inspired by the Brazilian beat samba.

"It means the absolute world to me to come out here and finish off being individual gold medallist again," added Dujardin.

"Today I felt a huge amount of pressure and expectation.

"It could be one of the last rides on Valegro. 

"There is talk of retirement for him so for me to finish it in this way, it's a really emotional time and I'm so happy."

Elsewhere in the competition, Germany took both silver and bronze through Isabell Werth and Kristina Broring-Sprehe respectively.

Six time Olympic equestrian champion Werth was the last competitor to perform and her score of 89.071 per cent was enough to lift her into second place and the silver medal.

"It was hard to get out last," said Werth.

"I knew Charlotte had 93 per cent, but my horse was super today, despite the heat.

"We had hard times lately and I hope it gives us a push, for equestrian and for the sport. 

"We need that."