Wie Weltmeyer retired

Wie Weltmeyer, celebrated grand prix partner of British Olympic team rider Emma Hindle has been retired. An emotional farewell ceremony at the Stallion Show of Privately Owned Sires in Verden last weekend saw Wie Weltmeyer and Hindle perform their final grand prix in front of breeder Thomas Hoffman. Hindle’s fellow British team member, Fiona Bigwood has also made an announcement that she is pregnant and will not be competing this season.

The Hanoverian licensed stallion Wie Weltmeyer (Wally) was Hindle’s first international grand prix horse and together they competed at two European Dressage Championships (2003, 2005), one World Cup Final (2004) and the Olympic Games in Athens (2004). The pair also represented Britain at the 2005 European Championships in Hagen, Germany.

Wie Weltmeyer will now enjoy a relaxed life out in the field and continue his career as a stallion. “We are honoured to have had Wie Weltmeyer as part of our team,” said British Dressage’s spokesman. “We wish him a happy retirement.” But British Dressage is certain his absence will not affect Hindle’s career. “Emma has other horses and will maintain her position as a top level rider,” the spokesman continued.

Meanwhile Fiona Bigwood’s British dressage team horse Mr G de Lully will be ridden by Danish grand prix rider Anders Dahl, who aims to qualify for the Danish team and compete at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen.

A British Dressage spokesperson said: “We are delighted for Fiona and it makes sense that Anders takes on the ride. We wish her a happy pregnancy and look forward to seeing her back on the circuit next year.”

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