Latest from Horse & Hound in Retirement

‘We made each other stronger’: star stallion who won £1.2m retires aged 20

Becky Murray — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:02:00 +0000

Grand prix superstar Con Quidam RB, who helped the Netherlands win team silver at the 2022 World Championships, has retired from sport aged 20.

His rider Sanne Thijssen confirmed the KWPN stallion’s retirement after they came second in a CSI4* 1.55m grand prix in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, on 15 March.

“The fact this chapter is coming to an end is indescribable,” said Sanne.

Con Quidam RB was produced as a young horse by Bulgaria’s Rossen Ratichev, who competed him in the six-year-old final at the World Breeding Championships in Lanaken, finishing 13th. “Connie” joined the Thijssen family in spring 2013 – ridden by Sanne’s father Leon, before Sanne, then 16, took on the reins in August 2014.

Over the next 12 years Sanne and Connie climbed the ranks together, amassing an impressive 19 grand prix victories and €1.4m (£1.2m) in prize money. They competed at the 2015 and 2016 young rider Europeans, helping the Netherlands win silver at the latter.

In 2021 they were on the team that won gold at the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, and in 2022 the team silver at the World Championships in Herning. Some of their many other highlights include winning the Longines Global Champions Tour grands prix in Valkenswaard and Madrid and the Rotterdam CSIO5* grand prix.

Sanne said Connie taught her “to fight and not to give up” – and “always gave 200%”.

“You could sense so well when it needed to happen. When it was an important day. When we wanted to show the world what we could achieve together,” she said.

“The same applied to these final rounds. We fell short by 0.15 seconds for a final victory, but that second place felt just as good as a victory.

“I am sure if it had been up to you, this would not have been the last one. But to protect your golden heart, your lion heart that will always keep going, we have decided that it is time. Time for your well-deserved retirement.”

Sanne said there was “joy and sadness” in Connie’s retirement.

“Joy, because you deserved this so much, and we were able to conclude it so beautifully. Sadness, because I am going to miss you so much at competitions. Not just the performances we had together in the ring, but also your character and demeanour. Everything that made you you,” she said.

“Sometimes it seemed as if we could communicate with each other. You felt exactly how I felt, and I knew exactly how you felt. We made each other stronger and complemented each other where necessary. Two peas in a pod.”

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‘It has been a true honour’: end of an era as top horse retires aged 17

Becky Murray — Thu, 23 May 2024 16:48:12 +0000

H&M Christian K, the international grand prix showjumper and ride of Sweden’s Peder Fredricson, has retired from the sport aged 17.

“A fantastic era has come to an end as it’s time for H&M Christian K to retire from showjumping,” said Peder.

The KWPN gelding, by Namelus R, first competed in young horse classes with Robin Ingarvarsson, before Daniel Svensson took over the reins in 2015 and produced him to CSI3* level.

Peder took on the ride at the beginning of 2017 when Christian was 10, and they jumped at their first five-star competition in Belgium that April. The pair went on to achieve a host of top-10 finishes around the world, at World Cup, Nations Cup, and Global Champions Tour competitions.

They were part of the winning team at the Rotterdam Nations Cup leg in June 2018, and three months later they were part of the silver medal-winning team at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA. In 2019 Peder and Christian were part of the Shanghai Swans, who won the Global Champion League Super Cup final at the Prague Playoffs.

Christian’s last international outing with Peder was on home soil at the Gothenburg Horse Show in February this year.

“He will now join H&M All In and spend his retirement out in the fields at home in Grevlunda,” said Peder.

“He is truly an amazing horse, nothing was ever too big for him. It has been a true honour to ride him and I’m very grateful for the career we’ve had together.”

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Is age just a number? New study looks at when horses become ‘old’

Becky Murray — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:22:39 +0000

The age at which a horse is classed as a veteran has been investigated by researchers.

The team from the University of Kentucky have discussed their initial findings from a study; 122 US senior horses: When are they considered “old” and how does that affect their management? The research, in collaboration with Spillers, involved 2,717 US participants, who completed a survey about their horses’ age and management. Their horses were a mix of retired, semi-retired, and involved in competition or pleasure riding.

Lead author Alisa Herbst told H&H the aim of the survey, which is part of a larger project, is to help improve the overall health and well-being of older horses by gaining a greater understanding of owners’ views and experiences.

“For some owners, seeing that ageing process will be a new experience, and they have to adjust their management accordingly. By knowing what others do and having support from experts, they can make the right management decisions,” she said, adding that further analysis of the data will be carried out and the team plans to publish the study in a scientific journal. An abstract has already been published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

“I understand the response that 20 is considered old, because that’s when we see a decline in exercise capacity – and the number one reason for considering the horse old was reduced ability to exercise. We know that there is a steep decline in exercise capacity between the ages 18 and 20, but it’s also important to consider that low muscle mass can affect the ability to exercise, which is something we also found.”

Dr Herbst added that it is important to consider the difference between reducing exercise intensity and stopping.

“Reducing intensity probably is a good thing to adjust to the horse’s capacity as they age, but stopping altogether may not be ideal. From human literature we know exercise in old age can have health benefits and slow down the progression of some diseases, and it’s very possible that’s also happening in horses. We currently have no studies on that so it would be good to look at this.”

In the UK, horses can join the Veteran Horse Society (VHS) aged 15. Founder Julianne Aston told H&H that the society based this age on the fact racehorses are generally considered old at 15.

“You get horses aged 18 going round Badminton, but these horses doing high-level work are obviously very fit and have a lot of stamina. I would question less experienced riders looking at their horses’ capabilities. For example, if you have an 18-year-old horse that hasn’t done much showjumping, then it’s suddenly taken to a showjumping competition, it might be a bit too much for their limbs. Not every horse at that age can achieve something like winning Badminton.”

Ms Aston added that sometimes owners can struggle to accept their horses are “veterans”.

“Some people can’t wait to join the society, and this year three quarters of our membership coming in are 16- to 17-year-olds,” she said.“But for others, accepting them as veterans is difficult, and they don’t want to think of them as old. To us at the society, 16 is a baby, but to the owner, 16 is a veteran, and that can be hard to get your head round.”

Grand prix dressage rider Hayley Watson-Greaves bought WG Rubins Nite as a two-year-old. He is now 19 and continues to compete at the top level.

“In terms of competing at an older age, it depends on the individual horse and how much they’ve done in their career. They’ve got to be fit, sound, healthy and happy. If they’re all those things, I don’t see a reason why you shouldn’t be out enjoying them, if they are still happy to do so,” she told H&H.

“It’s important to listen to your horse, which I’m doing with Rubins Nite. I think he’ll tell me when he doesn’t want to do it any more. But equally I don’t want to run him to a point where he is not able to do it. I’d like him to retire from competition but still be in work, because I think that’s good for their mental health. I think for top horses there’s got to be that progression when you retire them, when they’ve been so used to and enjoyed competing.”

Hayley said she has not had to alter Rubins Nite’s management very much as he’s got older so far, but he does enjoy summer breaks between competitions and hacking.

“He knows all the grand prix movements, so I don’t need to do too much of those. It’s more about working on his fitness and suppleness as he’s got older, to be able to do the work without overloading his joints,” she said.

‘Quirky’ cob gelding who excelled as a police horse retires aged 20

Becky Murray — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 18:33:51 +0000

A “one of a kind” police horse, whose bravery was matched by his kindness and compassion towards the ill and elderly, has retired from duty aged 20.

In 2012 cob gelding Parker went to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) on a five-year loan basis. When he returned to his owner in 2017, it was decided that domesticated life “was not for him” and he was given to the force.

A GMP spokesman said although Parker was the smallest in the mounted unit at 16hh, he made up for this in his bravery and character.

“From the start of his career it was obvious he was born to be a police horse and loved his job. He was an instant hit with all the officers and public alike due to his cheeky nature and eccentric squeal,” said the spokesman.

“Parker has had an exceptional career being involved in most, if not all, of the notable events that have occurred within GMP over the past decade. He has served the city of Manchester for all the major football tournaments, Manchester derbies, homecoming parades and big Euro games. He has taken part in ‘ride safe’ campaigns and countless protests.”

The spokesman said Parker chaperoned many new horses in training, and taught every new GMP mounted officer to ride during the last decade.

“Parker is the most recognised horse on the unit, and the face and hooves of the unit,” he said.

“He is full of character and charm. However, he is not without his quirks and is known among the officers as ‘Piggy’. He earned this title due to a particular noise he makes. If he is not in the mood for being groomed and wants to be left alone, or isn’t a fan of another horse, he will quickly let you know by squealing very loudly, which sounds just like a piglet.

“His cheekiness doesn’t just stop with the officers and fellow horses, Parker has been known to steal chips from the forks of many a football fan when they have come too close bearing food. He also regularly likes to check people’s pockets for any forgotten sweets.”

Officers had many memories of Parker, including his ‘great escapes’ from his stable to the hay barn, attempting to take his rider “swimming” in a lake, and when he ran away from a groom who was trying to bath him.

“There are many Parker moments that all at the unit remember fondly,” said the spokesman.

“Not only is Parker brave and able to confront any sort of disorder, he is also kind and empathetic to those who are more vulnerable or need some TLC. There have been many occasions where poorly children and adults have visited the unit. Parker is always the first horse to pop his nose over the stable door and give snuggles.

“There have been occasions we have had visitors from The Christie (a cancer centre based in Manchester) or hospices turn up at feed time. Most horses would be more interested in their dinner. But Parker would leave his full bucket on the floor and walk over to be the most gentle, loving boy to frail and terminally ill people, every single time.”

The spokesman said Parker had a “very special friendship” with a lady called Dorothy, who used to attend Old Trafford with her husband Dennis with carrots and Polos for Parker. When Dorothy was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer a few years ago her husband arranged for her to visit the mounted unit.

“When Dorothy arrived she was frail, tired and struggling. Parker was in the field and an officer asked the grooms if Parker could come in so that Dorothy could see him. Dorothy didn’t want to disrupt Parker’s day off and said she would attend the paddock herself, so an exception was made and Dorothy went and fed him carrots, sat with him, exhausted, but determined to see him and spend some time together,” said the spokesman.

Dorothy and Dennis pictured with Parker (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The officer who had arranged the visit said she saw a “huge change” in Dorothy following the time with Parker.

“She was totally different when she came away. She was happy and had some energy and spark that she hadn’t had when she first arrived,” she said.

“Spending that time with Piggy meant so much to her. As much as Parker has done all the demonstrations, protests and footballs, and been the backbone of the unit for so long, I feel that is one of the most special things he has done”.

The spokesman said Dorothy died around a month or so later, and Parker led her funeral procession.

“Dennis had even brought mints and came over to feed him before the service. He hugged Parker and it was clear to see what it meant to have him there,” he said.

“Dennis has continued to visit Parker since Dorothy died, both at Hough End and the football, and Parker has been a vital part of him coping without her. He may be the smallest horse on the unit, but he always makes the biggest impact. He’s one of a kind.”

The spokesman added that the force would like to thank Parker for his “exceptional” service, and wish him a wonderful retirement at the Horse Trust.

“Our cheeky, loving, steadfast, brave boy Parker. No quote rings more true than the words ‘horse of a lifetime’ when it comes to you. Not many horses have this kind of impact on people, but Piglet seems to and it is with a heavy heart that he will be said goodbye to, he is still as full of character as the first day he arrived,” said the spokesman.

“There will never be another Parker, ever.”

A Horse Trust spokesman said the charity is “honoured” to welcome Parker after his dedicated service.

“We are thrilled he will be able to enjoy very happy and much deserved retirement with us,” said the spokesman.

‘He taught me so many life lessons’: Tokyo Olympic dressage horse retires age 16

Becky Murray — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 17:12:00 +0000

Canadian dressage rider Lindsay Kellock said she will “never forget the feeling” her Olympic partner Sebastien gave her when he showed off to a crowd, as he is retired from the sport aged 16.

Lindsay and the Sandro Hit son made their Olympic debut together at Tokyo, where they scored 65.40% in the grand prix.

Earlier this month Lindsay said after “much thought, love, sadness and appreciation,” Sebastien would retire. She added she had had her sights on the dressage World Championships in Herning, Denmark, but over the past few months Sebastien had been “battling some health issues” and after discussion with his owner Melissa [Schiff Soros] and vet Rick Mitchell, it was decided retirement was in his “best interest”.

The pair’s last international competition was the Wellington CDI5* in Florida on 22 February, where they were eighth in the grand prix on 67.979%. They made their grand prix debut in 2019 and achieved a number of top placings, including winning the grand prix and grand prix freestyle in a World Cup qualifier in Devon, Pennsylvania, that September.

“Sebastien taught me so many life lessons. He taught me to be patient, resilient, caring, tough, humble, and grateful,” said Lindsay.

“Like every story with horses, the path to realise one’s dreams is not always clear, and there are often many challenges along the way. When Sebastien and I had our best moments in the ring, it was all worth it. He gave me such an incredible feeling, and is one of the most talented horses I have ever sat on.”

Lindsay added Sebastien “helped her through the most difficult time in her life” and “gave her a reason to keep going and push” to reach her lifelong dream of being an Olympian. In January 2021 Lindsay’s brother Jonathan, a competitive ski racer, died from a brain tumour aged 29.

“I have so many people to thank who went on this journey with us and were a huge part of our success and ability to get to this level,” said Lindsay.

“First and foremost, Melissa Schiff Soros and your Enterprise Farm Equestrian. None of this would be possible without you. You picked him at just three years old, identifying both his athleticism and good brain.

“You introduced us, stood by our side, and supported this partnership through and through. Always our biggest cheerleader. Sebastien loved getting his polo mints from you in the barn and in the warm ups at the shows. Thank you for your trust and I look forward to bringing up your talented young horses so we can continue on this amazing journey together.”

Lindsay thanked Sebastien’s vet team at Fairfield Equine, and formerly Rhinebeck Equine Clinic, her physios, grooms, and farriers, and her coach of 12 years Ashley Holzer.

“Lastly thank you to Sebastien for being a great partner. You are cheeky, hilarious, loving, scary, opinionated, confident, loyal all at once,” she said.

“Even though we had our moments where you would try and dictate how the ride was going to go or on some days attempt to dump me into the judges booths, I will always miss going down the centre line with you.

“I will never forget the feeling you gave me when you wanted to show off for the crowd. You were a real showman when you wanted to be and I will always cherish the partnership we had and the special moments we shared together, both in and out of the ring. Happy retirement Seb. You deserve it.”

‘The bravest horse we had’: police horse retires after 13 years’ faithful service

Becky Murray — Sun, 10 Jul 2022 18:03:55 +0000

A police horse who “won everybody’s hearts” during his 13-year career is to “put his hooves up and relax” in a happy retirement.

Sam joined Lancashire Police’s mounted branch as a five-year-old in 2009. The force’s horses are named after places in the county and Sam was given his official name, Elswick.

A Lancashire police spokesman said Elswick participated in an “endless” list of events during his career, including football matches, high-profile protests and marches, mutual aid events with other forces, musical rides, and “so much more”.

“Elswick always wants to please, even if a bit nervous he would put all his trust in his rider and would take them into any situation,” said the spokesman. “He is by far the bravest horse we had.”

The spokesman said Elswick was one of the force’s “go-to” horses for any event.

“No matter how big, you could always rely on him,” he said.

“One of his biggest events was Burnley homecoming, where he led the coaches through the crowds and he took it all in his stride. He also went on the pitch at Preston North End versus Blackpool when crowds invaded the pitch.”

Elswick has also taught countless officers to ride over the years.

“He has appeared on many riding courses and more often than not has been everyone’s first horse when they have joined the branch, showing them the ropes,” said the spokesman.

“He really is a true gent and will be greatly missed by all here at the mounted branch. At 18 years of age we recently discovered his heart wasn’t quite working the way it should be so it is time for him to enjoy retirement.”

Elswick has now joined fellow retired police horses at the Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire.

“It’s safe to say he will be hugely missed, but it’s time for him to put his hooves up and relax after protecting Lancashire for 13 years,” said the spokesman.

A Horse Trust spokesman said the charity is “honoured” to welcome Elswick.

“We look forward to providing him with a long and happy retirement following his faithful service to the community and Lancashire Police,” she said.

Paralympian who had to put down dangerous horse speaks out about horses being given away or sold cheaply

Becky Murray — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 20:03:57 +0000

A Paralympic medallist and her daughter who had to put their horse down despite their best efforts have spoken out about horses being given away for free or sold cheaply, and urged owners to think about what the worst-case scenario could be.

Last week H&H reported vet Natalie McGoldrick’s experience where she was called to an emaciated mare, who had recently been sold for a “bargain” price as a seven-year-old, but was found to be elderly and in poor health, and had to be put down. Natalie urged owners to “do the right thing“ by their older and unrideable horses, when they cannot provide suitable long-term care or retirement homes.

Lauren Criddle and her mother Deb who was part of the London 2012 gold-medal winning para dressage team, agree with Natalie and have shared their experience of a KWPN gelding they bought in 2013 – who ultimately had to put down two years later when he was unrideable and dangerous.

Lauren and Deb told H&H they heard from a friend about the well-bred seven-year-old, “Boston”, who was being sold for £1,000. Although Lauren and Deb were “taken aback” by his low price given his breeding, they decided to view him .

“When we turned up Boston was at the back of the stable, which was full of poo, and he just looked broken. He had no hay, was windsucking constantly and you could see every one of his ribs. We knew something wasn’t right, but we felt so sorry for him we decided to take him,” Lauren told H&H, adding that the seller agreed to lower his price to £500.

When Lauren and Deb went to collect Boston the following day, he had been turned out overnight and punctured the front of his hock on barbed wire fencing. Deb called a vet before taking Boston home, and in the end paid the seller £400 for him.

Boston was given six months off while they tried to put his weight back on and he eventually became a “happier” horse. But on bringing him back into work, although he showed talent, he became unpredictable but vet checks, including X-rays, did not reveal any problems.

“To start off with he was so jolly, and we could have put Mum on him he was so good. But the fitter he got the more erratic his behaviour became,” said Lauren.

“Some days he was fantastic and he was like a £20,000 horse, but other times he was neurotic and would just flip. He really scared me on a few occasions, he would bolt, rear, and put us and him in danger. We decided to send him away to another professional trainer to see if it might help but it didn’t really make a difference.”

Two years after buying Boston, Lauren and Deb made the decision to put him down when he started showing the same erratic behaviour on the ground, as well as under saddle.

“I’m glad we gave him the chance, but we don’t regret putting him down because it was the right decision. We just wish we could have done more for him, but sometimes you can’t when they’re like that,” said Lauren.

Deb added that it was clear Boston was very unhappy.

“When he got to the stage he was, it was a no-brainer and the right choice. We had done everything we could to help him, but you can only do so much and then you have to make the right decision. We would never have put someone else in our position by selling him,” she said.

Lauren and Deb have shared their experience to make people think before giving away older or unrideable horses for free or cheaply.

“We don’t know if Boston had a neurological issue, or if he’d been beaten badly in his early years and was traumatised, but it’s hard to believe a horse of that breeding wasn’t in a loving home at one point in his life and for whatever reason ended up where he did,” said Lauren.

“More and more I see posts of horses on Facebook that say ‘free to good home’, and you’ll see posts from people saying they’ve sold a horse for £500 as a companion and now it’s at a dealer and the owner is surprised that someone would drug it up and sell it on. But there’s people out there willing to do anything for money, especially in the horse world.

“I’m fed up of seeing these posts – the other day there was a 20-year-old broodmare who could no longer be bred from, being offered for free and the person got offended when it was suggested she put her down. We don’t regret buying Boston, but I think when you take on a horse for free or for very little money there’s probably a reason and you have to weigh up whether you’re willing to take on a problem and give that horse a chance. It might work in your favour, but there’s a big chance it won’t.”

Lauren believes there are a number of reasons why people try to give horses away.

“I think some are not brave enough at making the decision to put them down, or it might be about the fact they’ve already lost money, and in some occasions maybe they’ve been shamed by others about making that difficult decision,” she said.

“It’s not to to say that giving away a horse for free is always wrong, if you know who they are going to and that they are going to have a good home – but giving away a horse that is injured, old or dangerous, when that horse might end up being sold on is wrong.”

Deb said owners need to consider the “very worst” that can happen when giving a horse away.

“Once that horse is out of your hands, there is no control. You don’t know it’s not going to end up in the worst-case scenario, and surely it’s better not to put your horse through that? A percentage might go to good homes, but I can’t see that being the case for many. You still see so many for free posts, it’s heartbreaking,“ she said

“No horse should end up in the situation Boston did, there should be a clear chain of responsibility. All of us as owners have to take this on board that putting them down when the time is right is part of the process, and it is our moral obligation. They are our friends, and we should do more for them.”

Windsor grey who was ‘popular’ with The Queen retires after 15 years service

Becky Murray — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 18:01:33 +0000

A horse who became “popular” with The Queen and served in the Royal Mews as a carriage horse for 15 years has retired.

The Horse Trust recently welcomed 20-year-old Windsor grey gelding Storm, who the charity has described as “somewhat of a celebrity”.

Storm will enjoy his retirement with his former equine colleague and fellow Windsor grey Daniel. The pair pulled The Queen’s carriage for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

“Storm, along with Daniel, were so popular with Her Majesty that a life-size statue of them was commissioned in 2013 and unveiled in Windsor to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee,” said a Horse Trust spokesman.

“The giant artwork was created by sculptor Robert Rattray and can be seen today on the Long Walk. It’s a wonderful way to recognise these two magnificent horses who now reside with us.”

Storm’s other duties included pulling carriages for other members of the royal family and he attended events including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, state visits, and Royal Ascot.

He also joins former stablemate and Horse Trust resident Windsor grey Claudia, who retired from ceremonial duties in 2019.

“It’s lovely that Storm has so many connections to our current residents and we can’t wait to see them all together,” said the spokesman.

“All Royal Mews horses are owned by the public rather than The Queen which is why they retire to us. He has been described as bombproof, perhaps the ultimate compliment to any serving horse, meaning he wasn’t afraid of anything and was incredibly reliable,” said the Horse Trust spokesman.

“He has also been described as strong but very soft and kind in nature and we’re sure he will prove just as popular with our team and supporters as he was with Her Majesty.”

‘No horse should have to end its life like that’: vet urges owners to stop giving away older and unrideable horses

Becky Murray — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 21:03:59 +0000

A vet who put down an elderly mare who had been sold for a “bargain” price, has urged owners to stop giving away older and unrideable horses, and to “do the right thing”.

Natalie McGoldrick, owner of South Coast Equine Vets, was called out to a collapsed mare on Monday (21 March). Natalie was told the owner had bought the horse seven weeks ago as a seven-year-old, but the mare was discovered to be in her 20s and suffering from poor health. The emaciated mare was unable to get to her feet and was put down.

Natalie told H&H no horse should have to end its life like that.

“This mare was in a place she didn’t really know, she couldn’t get up and she was terrified. There is no dignity in that,” she said.

“That afternoon I kept thinking about her. At some point that mare gave something to someone, and for her to basically end her days on the floor like that, was devastating.”

Natalie said buyers should be aware when horses are advertised cheaply.

“In this mare’s case the owner thought she was getting a bargain – but nothing in life is a bargain. She came to them in very poor condition and continued to deteriorate. It can be very difficult to turn these horses around when they are emaciated,” she said, adding that sellers should also be aware of people looking for cheap horses.

“It’s not always the case, but quite often if someone’s looking for a very cheap or free horse there’s a high chance they can’t afford the vet fees, the feed, and everything that goes with keeping a horse. Everyone knows it’s not the initial outlay in the horse world, it’s the management and looking after them.”

Natalie added that owners have to remember if they sell or give horses away, they no longer have a say in what happens to them.

“I’m sorry but you don’t give them away for free. It comes as no surprise they often end up in the wrong hands.”

Natalie has urged owners to “do the right thing” with older and unrideable horses, and to consider euthanasia if they are no longer able to care for them.

“I’m not saying as soon as a horse isn’t rideable, put them down. But if you genuinely cannot afford to keep your older horse, you should really think about putting that horse down – there are fates worse than death,” she said.

“We have the privilege of being able to give an animal a very dignified end, and that’s a much kinder option if you’re considering giving your horse away or selling it for a few hundred pounds to someone you don’t know.”

‘He’s taught me a lot’: Robert Whitaker retires top horse age 18

Becky Murray — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 20:03:20 +0000

Catwalk IV, the top grand prix horse and long-term partner of Robert Whitaker, has retired aged 18.

Robert bought the son of Colman as a stallion from Swiss showjumper Steve Guerdat in 2011. Catwalk was later gelded, and although he was known for being quite tricky as a young horse, he went on to enjoy a successful 10-year career with Robert. The pair recorded 23 wins and countless top-10 finishes, including puissances, six-bars, five-star grands prix, and World Cup qualifiers.

Robert told H&H when he bought Catwalk he “probably didn’t realise” how good he would be.

“He’s got a lot of character, he was quite strong-minded when he was young but I think that’s what made him so good. He’s taught me a lot,” he said.

“I was on winning Nation Cup teams with him in Rome and St Gallen, and he won five-star grands prix, not many people get the pleasure of having a horse that does that. The highlight was my first World Cup win in Helsinki in 2019, the day after we won the grand prix.”

Robert made the decision to retire Catwalk while he was in “good condition and healthy”.

“He’s 18 and he’s won a lot. Last year I didn’t have many horses so I dropped down the ranking a lot, so we’ve not been able to do the better shows with him. There’s no point jumping him around lesser shows than what he’s capable of,” he said.

“The weather’s ok just now so he’s out day and night with the youngstock and he’s very happy. I have two nice eight-year-old horses, Vermento and I’m Special, so I will be concentrating on them and hopefully we can find another older horse to go to shows with them and I’ll have the three.”

Robert thanked all of Catwalk’s connections over the years including his parents, grooms and co-owner Mandy Hall.

‘The horse who made me believe that I could’: World Champion retires five-star partner

Becky Murray — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 20:33:11 +0000

World champion Ros Canter has announced her five-star ride and “Pau specialist” Zenshera will retire from eventing.

The 17-year-old gelding started his British Eventing career with Ros in 2010. The pair were part of the Nations Cup team at Boekelo in 2013, and went on to make five more Nations Cup team appearances.

Zenshera, known at home as Alfie, stepped up to four-star level (now five-star) at Pau Horse Trials in 2017, where the pair were seventh. They went on to complete Pau three more times, placing fifth in 2018 and 2019, and 17th in 2020. They were also ninth at Luhmühlen CCI4* (now CCI5*) in 2017 and third in 2018.

“With Pau about to start, I thought it would be the right time to say that Zenshera (Alfie) is retiring from eventing. Most of you know that Alfie means the world to me and was a bit of a Pau specialist,” Ros said.

“We didn’t buy him to go five-star, in fact we were just happy to make it around a BE100 with two down in the showjumping, but Alfie’s heart always wanted to do more, and so he ended up doing six five-stars, five of which we were top 10. One was while I was pregnant with Ziggy and another was three months after having her.”

Ros said Alfie’s showjumping was “always the weak link” and he was not the fastest, but that he had given her the cross-country rounds of her life “so many times” and always “twinkled his toes” in the dressage.

“He was the horse that made me believe that I could,” said Ros.

The pair completed the CCI4*-S at Aston Le Walls International in May this year, picking up four faults in the showjumping to finish in 34.5 and 26th place.

“At 17 he just started to feel his age this summer, and so after some time chilling in the field, he is back in work and gearing up for a PSG and will start his next career of nannying the babies,” said Ros.

“He is such a pet at home that I hope in a few years Ziggy will get the pleasure of having a few rides. My boy Alfie has done every event with a huge smile on his face. He continues to be a ray of sunshine at Hallington and I’m just so happy that his story isn’t over yet.”

Met Police horse famed for her courage to join equine colleagues in retirement

Becky Murray — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 06:03:20 +0000

A Metropolitan police horse known for her bravery will enjoy her “twilight years” at the Horse Trust.

Last week the charity welcomed 15-year-old part-bred Shire mare Orla, its first retiree of the year.

(Image credit: The Horse Trust)

During her 10 years’ service Orla attended premiership football matches and took part in numerous public order and ceremonial duties including the Black Lives Matter and English Defence League protests. The 17.2hh mare was also a “regular fixture” at Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard and escorted the Household Cavalry while they performed The Queen’s Lifeguard duties.

“She spent the majority of her career at West Hampstead Stables where on a day to day basis she was often the ‘go to’ horse chosen by supervisors due to her bravery and (usually) impeccable behaviour,” said a spokesman for the Horse Trust.

“In the later years of her service Orla moved to the Imber Court training establishment where she escorted young horses in training, helping them to gain confidence while on patrol on the roads.”

Orla was retired owing to lameness issues and her rider at the force described her as a “lovely, quiet dependable mare who will be “missed by all”.

Continued below…

(Image credit: The Metropolitan Police)

‘A legend’: unflappable police horse to enjoy retirement after 12 years’ service

“The highlights of both our careers include working for three weeks in London for the Olympics, patrolling the Olympic Park.

(Image credit: The Metropolitan Police)

Police horse to enjoy ‘fairytale’ retirement with former rider and old equine colleague

“It’s really lovely, it’s like an ideal fairytale and a happy ever after”

(Image credit: The Metropolitan Police)

“Orla has already settled in well to life at the Horse Trust, and we can tell she is going to be a really lovely horse to care for in her twilight years,” said the charity’s spokesman.

“We can’t wait for her to catch up with her old Met Police buddies Gawain, Hadrian, Kathleen, Jedburgh, Huntsman, Boris, Duke and Normandy who are all current residents.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

‘A legend’: unflappable police horse to enjoy retirement after 12 years’ service

Becky Murray — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 07:03:24 +0000

An unflappable police horse who was “one of the family” – and met David Beckham at the Olympics – will enjoy a quieter life in retirement.

South Yorkshire Police (SYP) said farewell to 20-year-old Burnsgreave, known as Bernie, on 25 March following 12 years of service. The 18hh Shire/thoroughbred cross joined the force on 3 December 2009 and was mainly partnered with Sergeant Dave Driver, who has also recently retired from the mounted section.

Sgt Driver said he knew he and the force had a great horse after his and Bernie’s first deployment together in Warwickshire.

“Bernie hit the ground running when he joined SYP; our first big event was an English Defence League protest,” he said.

“A lit firework was thrown underneath Bernie and exploded with a loud bang and sparks flew everywhere. Bernie did not move a hoof, he stood his ground like a pro and from that day forward I had the utmost trust in him, which we built a strong relationship on.”

Bernie and Sgt Driver travelled all over the country on mutual aid deployments in addition to their policing duties in South Yorkshire.

“The highlights of both our careers include working for three weeks in London for the Olympics, patrolling the Olympic Park each day with up to 500,000 people there each time. We even got to meet David Beckham,” he said.

(Image credit: South Yorkshire Police)

“Bernie was also a favourite at our local football matches and developed a bit of a reputation with supporters as a legend.”

In December 2020, following a lameness investigation, Bernie was diagnosed with a serious tear to a ligament, and X-rays found arthritic changes. It was recommended that although he would still be able to enjoy ridden work in future, he should be taken out of police work.

“Bernie has been a fantastic horse and I am pleased I got to be partnered with him for the majority of my mounted career. He was faithful and hard-working and deserves a happy retirement where he will be loved and spoilt,” said Sgt Driver.

Bernie has retired to a private home in West Yorkshire, but will be under the care of the Horse Trust for the rest of his life.

Continued below…

(Image credit: South Yorkshire Police)

Police horse to enjoy ‘fairytale’ retirement with former rider and old equine colleague

“It’s really lovely, it’s like an ideal fairytale and a happy ever after”

(Image credit: South Yorkshire Police)

Bermuda-based sport horse travels more than 3,000 miles to retire in South Wales

“It’s amazing how quickly they settle in once they get here, we have other horses who have come from Dubai

(Image credit: South Yorkshire Police)

“We owe it to our horses to provide them with the best homes. We are also lucky enough to be able to visit him,” said Sgt Driver.

A spokesman for the force added that goodbyes are never easy.

“Animals become part of your family and for our policing family it is no different; officers build strong bonds and relationships with our horses and dogs, they’re all part of a team in protecting the communities of South Yorkshire,” he said. “We thank Bernie for his service and his dedication, we wish him the happiest of retirements.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Police horse to enjoy ‘fairytale’ retirement with former rider and old equine colleague

Becky Murray — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 07:02:43 +0000

A striking police horse who always drew a crowd will enjoy a “fairytale” retirement with one of his former riders and a former equine colleague.

This week Northumberland Police waved goodbye to 17-year-old part-bred Friesian Percy, who had served with the force for seven years.

Police officer Jo Watson, who trained Percy and went on to ride him for four years, told H&H the 17.2hh gelding was a “gentle giant” on the ground but had not been the easiest to train.

“He got there eventually,” she said. “He was very proud; he would jog and prance about. If you told him off he got worse; you had to sit quietly and ignore him – if you got hold of him and put your legs on he only got bigger!

“He was a very bold horse but he also had a bit of an edge. It wasn’t just plodding round the streets with him, he gave you a bit more of a ride and I loved that about him. He used to do mini launches where he would jump like a Lipizzaner. “

During his career Percy led parades, attended Manchester and Sheffield football derbies, and was used for mutual aid where he would help other forces.

“He went to Brighton to a Hells Angels’ rally. He just did everything, he was a fantastic police horse,” said PC Watson.

“Percy always drew a crowd because he was so attractive. When he walked past people would say ‘wow’. He was jet black, shiny, held his head high and pranced everywhere. Even when he was walking he had this presence, he was just gorgeous.”

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(Image credit: Northumberland Police)

New ‘Roman god’ joins mounted police force

The six-year-old gelding join’s the force’s seven other horses; Odin, Aurora, Loki, Luna, Atlas, Viktor and Harper

(Image credit: Northumberland Police)

Two ‘black beauties’ retire after years of ‘heroic’ public service

One of the gelding’s ‘claim to fame’ is being ridden by Charlotte Dujardin when she visited the police stables

(Image credit: Northumberland Police)

Percy was retired from the force owing to some back issues but he will now enjoy light hacking with his other former rider, retired police officer Michelle Alexander.

“I think if Percy had been going further away I’d have been a bit heartbroken but I know I’ll still get to visit him. I spoke to Michelle and he’s already settled in and is happy as larry,” said PC Watson.

“Michelle also rode police horse Peroni for six years and when she retired in January, Peroni retired with her so Percy is in the field with his old colleague. It’s really lovely, it’s like an ideal fairytale and a happy ever after.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Bermuda-based sport horse travels more than 3,000 miles to retire in South Wales

Becky Murray — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 13:03:42 +0000

A competition horse who had been living in Bermuda has made a round-the-world trip to enjoy his retirement in South Wales.

Nicky van Dijk, owner of Happy Horse Retirement, has welcomed 18-year-old warmblood Splash almost a year after communications began with the gelding’s owners Andy and Elka Gibbs.

Nicky told H&H the couple contacted her at the beginning of 2020, having found Happy Horse Retirement on social media.

“In February Andy and their daughter Ashley flew from Bermuda to look round the yard,” she said. “They are such lovely people and I could tell how much they loved their horse and wanted to make sure it was the right yard for him.

“I always say to owners it’s like sending your child off to boarding school, you’ve got to trust the people they’re going to.”

Andy and Elka started looking into the logistics of transporting Splash to the UK but the pandemic meant their plans were disrupted.

“Originally Splash was going to fly from Bermuda to New York, then to Europe but because of Covid the Bermuda airport was shut down,” she said. “So they had to wait, then in November he was shipped in a container over three days from Bermuda to New York.

“Once he arrived in New York he was driven three hours to Connecticut where he had to spend 120 days on a quarantine yard.”

Nicky said Splash, who formerly competed in dressage and showjumping with Ashley, was kept active while in quarantine with lunging to ensure he was fit for his next journey and she was provided with regular photos and updates.

“On 16 February he was boxed up to JFK Airport in New York where he went into a compound for vet checks, and was then flown to Belgium. From there he was transported to Holland where he spent the night, and then he came across the English Channel to Kent.

Splash safely arrived in South Wales on Friday, 19 February.

“While all the travelling is a risk I knew Splash had been checked by vets all the way. When he arrived I put him into our big barn overnight so he could walk off any stiffness and he had two horses on the other side for company,” she said.

“We watched over him into the night to make sure he was ok after such a long journey but he was drinking lots and while he seemed a bit insecure he quickly made friends with his neighbours Timmy and Seamus.”

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Nicky van Dijk)

Where are they now? 9 equine stars enjoying retirement

Since their respective retirements, we perhaps haven’t seen quite so much of these remarkable horses, so here’s a quick look

(Image credit: Nicky van Dijk)

Moment of hope in sadness as rescue donkey bonds with new friend after companion’s death

A severely lame and overweight donkey taken in by a charity a year ago is now on the road to

(Image credit: Nicky van Dijk)

Nicky said Splash has settled in well and is getting used to being turned out in a herd. The yard is based on 90 acres and the 45 residents enjoy 24-hour turnout during the summer.

“It’s been lovely to see him playing with Timmy. I’ve been keeping Andy and Elka updated and they’re delighted. It’s amazing how quickly they settle in once they get here, we have other horses who have come from Dubai and Europe – we’re becoming quite international,” she said.

“All the horses here are privately owned, it’s like a nursing home for horses. Andy and Elka are desperate to come and visit later this year. It’s a great compliment they picked us for Splash, the fact they flew him across the world says a lot.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Where are they now? 9 equine stars enjoying retirement

Gemma Redrup — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 12:24:33 +0000

At some point in recent history, all of these horses have stolen the hearts of many thanks to their remarkable achievements. But since their respective retirements, we perhaps haven’t seen quite so much of them, so here’s a quick look to see what they’ve been up to…

Salinero

Salinero is just happy❤️ pic.twitter.com/CXis9pGvipSalinero is just happy❤️ pic.twitter.com/CXis9pGvip— Anky van Grunsven (@ankyvangrunsven) February 3, 2019— Anky van Grunsven (@ankyvangrunsven) February 3, 2019

Now 25-years-old, Salinero won individual gold medals at both the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics under Anky van Grunsven. He is now enjoying his retirement at Anky’s Dutch yard.

Flexible

A photo posted by on

Flexible won the World Cup showjumping final in 2012 and, with U.S competitor Rich Fellers riding, competed in countless five-star competitions around the world, including finishing eighth individually at the 2012 London Olympics. He was retired at the grand age of 21 and was gifted to Rich by long-term owners Harrie and Molly Chapman.

Over To You

Posted by Jeanette Brakewell on Monday, December 24, 2018

Pictured here at Christmas in 2018, Over To You, who notched up countless Team GB caps and remains the most medalled British event horse in history, turns 31 this year. He still lives with his rider, Jeanette Brakewell where he acts as nanny to the young horses in the yard, and hacks out regularly.

Saphir De Rheu

Pictured is Charlotte Alexander and Saphir de Rheu leaping off the Rider Frightener new feature fence in the Skinner's Pet Foods open qualifier at the #CotswoldTeamChase! #teamchasing #SaphirdeRheu #weknowyourworld pic.twitter.com/fzHPg1oYwGPictured is Charlotte Alexander and Saphir de Rheu leaping off the Rider Frightener new feature fence in the Skinner's Pet Foods open qualifier at the #CotswoldTeamChase! #teamchasing #SaphirdeRheu #weknowyourworld pic.twitter.com/fzHPg1oYwG— Lycetts (@LycettsEquine) October 29, 2018— Lycetts (@LycettsEquine) October 29, 2018

Although he is only 10-year-old, Saphir De Rheu, the former Paul Nicholls-trained Grade One winner, is now retired from racing and is pictured here enjoying a spin around the open Cotswold Team Chase at the end of last year. He also more recently had the opportunity to school over Cheltenham’s cross-country race fences under Charlotte Alexander, who plans to event him this year.

Mulry’s Error

A photo posted by on

We’re all familiar with Ben Hobday’s former event horse, ‘Mr Mulry’, but here he is enjoying retirement from top level competition. Now 17-years-old, Mulry has enjoyed days on the hunting field and has taken a member of Ben’s staff round some British Eventing tracks.

Escapado

A photo posted by on

Retired in 2011, this 2004 Olympic dressage horse, Escapado remains under the care of his long-term rider Carl Hester. Now aged 26, he looks very happy hanging out with his miniature friend.

Redesigned

Took time out from the gardening last night to give carrots to the old and young. The very special Redesigned with 5year old Billy Ambition.Posted by Pippa Funnell on Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Now 18-years-old, Redesigned last competed with Pippa Funnell in 2016. During his career, he notched up a plethora of world class results.

Chilli Morning

A photo posted by on

Chilli Morning, William Fox-Pitt’s 2015 Badminton winner and 2016 Rio Olympics mount, looks fabulous at 19. Here he is jumping down a grid with a working pupil at Gemma Tattersall’s yard which is owned by Chilli Morning’s owners, Chris and Lisa Stone.

Mistral Højris and Andretti H

A photo posted by on

Now both aged 24, Mistral Højris and Andretti H, who were instrumental in the career of dressage rider Laura Tomlinson, are seen here enjoying the snow recently at Laura’s Cotswolds base.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

‘Retired horse, free to good home’: H&H asks the tough question…

Carol Phillips — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 12:08:31 +0000

OPINION

While browsing through my Facebook feed, from time to time I come across a post that reads something along the lines of…

“I’m devastated to be writing this, but my much loved horse is looking for a new family. Sadly is no longer able to be ridden, but would make an ideal companion. Change in circumstances means I can no longer keep him. Free to good home.”

So this ‘much loved’ horse has done the job you wanted him for, but now, whether through medical reasons or old age, can no longer be ridden. And so rather than taking responsibility for this animal at every stage in its life, including when he leaves this world, you’re going to give him away into the care of a third party and an unknown future.

I ask you a hard question – is this really in the best interests of your horse, or are you simply passing on your problem to someone else?

Now I know lives can change in a heartbeat, and I accept that while you may have hoped to be in a position to provide your wonderful horse with a long and happy retirement, you may find it’s not possible.

But in reality, the majority of cases like this are where an owner CAN still afford to keep a horse – but only ONE horse. So when the current horse is no longer able to work, they want to replace him with another that they can ride.

I personally don’t have a problem with that. If you are in this situation, to me your options are:

A: you find the money to continue to provide the retired horse with the essential care that is required to ensure their ongoing welfare, and get a new horse you can ride, whether that is a new purchase or on loan;

B: you accept that you can only afford one horse and so continue to care for your retired horse and enjoy occasional rides on other people’s horses when they come up (you may be surprised how many people will be grateful for help keeping their horse(s) exercised, particularly during the winter);

C: (and I know this will be unpalatable to some), you have the horse you can no longer ride humanely euthanised and you get a new one you can ride.

What, in my humble opinion, you should NOT do is pass your retired horse on to a third party, who may or may not have their best interests at heart.

We’ve all heard the stories of horses that are unfit for work being taken on by individuals promising that they will have a long and happy retirement, only for the horse to be filled with bute and sold on to an unwitting buyer, or being stuck in a sale ring to make a quick buck a matter of days after being collected from their former loving homes. Do you want to run the risk of finding out that has happened to your horse?

If you are genuinely in the position where you can no longer afford to keep the horse, then I would still ask whether giving the horse away, into the care of a third party and an unknown future, is really a responsible thing to do?

Whether a horse is age five or 25, there are worse things than being humanely dispatched from this earth in surroundings that the horse knows and with the people who have provided him with many lovely experiences in the past. Yes it’s incredibly hard for the owner to make that decision, but surely that is better than the alternative described above?

And for everyone who is saying, ‘but surely there is a charity somewhere that would take the horse’, I’m afraid you are deluding yourselves. The charity centres are fit to bursting with real welfare cases. They do NOT have space to take on any horses that do not fit that description.

It’s really hard when you find yourself in this position. I know, I’ve been there, more than once. Only you can decide what’s best for you, and your horse. Personally, I’ve chosen A, B and C at different times in different circumstances. But every time I’ve found peace with the decision I made because every time I’ve put the horse first, and that includes the time I chose option C.

If you would like to share your views on this topic for potential publication in Horse & Hound magazine, then email hhletters@futurenet.com including your name, nearest town and county.

Call for prize money to fund ‘pensions’ for top horses

Sarah Radford — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 14:08:20 +0000

“Horse pensions” should be introduced to ensure the long-term future of top-level equine athletes, according to one horse owner.

After buying a former grade A show jumper in poor condition several years ago, Jen Moon now believes that a percentage of horses’ winnings should be set aside to support them in their retirement.

“I understand it wouldn’t be possible to for all horses, but once horses have reached a certain level of winnings, they have become ‘equine heroes’,” she said.

“When horses become publicly loved and known there is a duty of care not just from owners and riders but the organisations who support and sponsor the classes.”

She said that while many benefit from the horses’ talent, their winnings may not be re-invested in their long-term care.

“For some of them, all they get is old and then they get moved on,” she said.

She would also like a percentage of the fund to be given to an organisation such as World Horse Welfare. This way the money earned by these successful competition horses would also benefit those horses that need additional support.

Article continues below…

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Jen, who recently set up a yard in France with her husband Nick, said that her experience with the former top-level showjumping horse had “highlighted that something needs to be done”.

“A pension isn’t an impossible thing, there is a place for it in this day and age in the sport. These horses should live out their days with the standard of care they have had their entire lives,” she said.

Jen said that she was now looking into setting up a retirement home for top-level horses at her 25 hectare base.

“We would have it open to public and do regular social media updates so everyone knows how the horses are doing,” she said. “If it was funded by a pension and people knew the horses were being taken care of then I think more people might take up the option.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

‘Noble and polite’ police horse retires to quieter life in the country

Lucy Elder — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 07:25:45 +0000

A former police horse has swapped the busy streets of Newcastle for a retirement in the Chilterns.

Pilot, known as “Max”, served with Northumbria police for eight years before retiring to live at The Horse Trust’s base in Princes Risborough.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The 20-year-old Irish draught cross Clydesdale arrived at the charity on 2 November.

Originally from Seaton Sluice in Northumberland, Max grew too big and bold for his owner so he was sold to the police.

During his time with the force, he policed football matches, music events, Remembrance Day parades and mass demonstrations.

“He carried out his daily patrol duties with the ease and efficiency of the noble and polite gentleman he is,” said his long-term rider PC Tony Preece.

In his “civilian” life, Max enjoyed galloping along the open beaches on the Northumbrian coast, particularly Druridge Bay.

“Although formally retired Max will still have a part time job,” said Jeanette Allen of The Horse Trust.

“He will be our school master, having a regular little plod around the village helping to teach our younger rescue horses — who are being prepared for rehoming — how to be brave.

“With his incredibly calm and brave nature he will do a wonderful job as our elder statesman.”

Max joins a host of other ex-police and military horses that have retired to live at the charity.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Among his new equine friends is Mr Screwemtight, known as “Falstaff” (pictured above, with Max), a former sections commander’s charger of The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

Fifteen-year-old Falstaff, who has performed in the world-famous musical drive and served in countless parades, also joined the charity last month.

The 17.3hh horse suffers from osteoarthritis in his coffin joints and was retired as his workload became too much for his condition.

Top dressage horse Parzival to retire next year

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 12:55:08 +0000

Top Dutch dressage rider Adelinde Cornelissen has said she is to retire her star horse Parzival next year.

The rider withdrew her the 18-year-old gelding from the 2015 Dutch dressage championships earlier this month (17-19 July) as the horse had not shown “sufficient fitness” to compete.

As that event was the final selection competition for this summer’s FEI European Dressage Championships, the pair were therefore not named on the team list published by the Dutch equestrian federation last week.

It is the first time in six years that Adelinde has not represented her country. She had previously expressed her aim for Rio with Parzival.

However, team trainer Wim Ernes told Dutch magazine De Hoefslag last week that there would no longer be an opening on the team long term for the pair, due to their falling scores but credited and thanked the horse for the team’s success in the past.

Adelinde then told the magazine she was surprised by these comments, but that retirement for the horse in 2016 looked imminent.

The combination has been extremely strong across the years. In 2011 and 2012 the pair won the World Cup. They were then pipped to Olympic gold in London by Charlotte and Valegro.

Adelinde and Parzival currently sit in fourth place on the FEI world dressage rankings, behind Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, Adelinde’s countryman Edward Gal and Glock’s Undercover and Germany’s Kristina Broring-Sprehe.

The pair have only been seen out once this season, an event in Rotterdam in June where they withdrew. Their last win was the in the grand prix at Mechelen in December.

However, the horse has had a troublesome couple of seasons. The warmblood was off for several months with a cardiac arrhythmia — a heart-rate problem — and had an operation to correct it in June 2013.

He was then rested from competition with the aim of being selected for the World Equestrian Games in September, where they were part of the bronze medal-winning team.

Top showjumping mare retires

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 11:55:18 +0000

French showjumper Roger Yves Bost’s top mare Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois has been retired.

The 14-year-old, with whom Roger jumped to European individual honours in 2013, was retired from competition at the World Cup show Equita Lyon in France on Saturday (1 November).

Myrtille Paulois will return to her owner, Lady Georgina Forbes in Ireland, to be used as a potentially very exciting broodmare.

“My best memory is probably here in Lyon when I won in front of this amazing public, which pushed us to victory,” said “Bosty”. “I sincerely thank the owner, who had confidence in me, my team, and Philippe Guerdat who selected me for the European championships.

“I’d also like to thank Equita for giving me the chance to say goodbye to Myrtille here; and of course, a big thank you to her.”

The mare was bred in France by the selle Francais stallion Dollar Du Murier out of Rita La Rouge (Grand Veneur). She rose to international prominence first with Irish showjumper Jessica Kurten, winning a four-star grand prix at Moorsele, Belgium, in 2009.

Bosty took over the reins in 2011 and, as well as the European title in Denmark last year, where the mare remained faultless throughout the championship, Myrtille’s biggest wins included the Rolex FEI World Cup qualifier in Helsinki in 2013, the Equita Masters in Lyon in 2012 and the grand prix of Basel, Switzerland, in 2012. Earlier this year she was also part of France’s winning Nations Cup team in Rotterdam.

But the combination were regarded as one of the quickest and competitive in Europe when it came to a race against the clock and they racked up five-star victories in speed classes wherever they went.

A small tendon injury ruled Myrtille out of competition in September and the decision was made to retire the mare in front of her home crowd.

Don’t miss the full report from Equita Lyon — where Roger Yves Bost took the World Cup qualifier — in this week’s Horse & Hound (out Thursday 6 November).

British grand prix dressage star bows out

Ellie Hughes — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 15:55:45 +0000

The Bechstolsheimers ultra-consistent thoroughbred dressage star, Andretti H, has been retired from competition at the age of 19.

“Andy” enjoyed a long and successful career with their daughter, Laura Tomlinson. The pair’s many laurels included winning two national dressage titles (in 2010 and 2011) and posting a personal best score of 78.73% in the 2011 Hagen CDI grand prix freestyle.

In 2013 Laura passed the reins to stable-jockey Lara Griffith, who struck up a successful partnership with the gelding, which culminated in them being named as reserves for this year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Laura told H&H: “Andy’s done everything we could have hoped for — he was a brilliant horse for me and taught Lara the ropes.

“He’s got nothing to prove and is never going to better the scores he’s been getting in the last year. We wanted him to bow out while he’s fit and sound.”

Andy will spend his retirement with the Bechtolsheimers.

“He will continue to be hacked out in the mornings and will enjoy a lot of time in the field,” added Laura.

Programme manager for dressage, Richard Waygood, paid tribute the gelding.

He said: “Andy was amazing for a thoroughbred horse competing in pure dressage. Obviously he was a great second string for Laura and it was immensely generous of her to give the ride to Lara.

“We are so grateful that Andy was campaigned throughout this season leading up to WEG to give Britain such a strong reserve horse.”

Eventing legend retired

Sophia Heath — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:45:28 +0000

Nicola Wilson has had an “emotional” final run on her TeamGB stalwart Opposition Buzz who has now been retired.

Nicola Wilson and the 17-year-old gelding rode in their last competition — finishing second in the advanced at Allerton Park (pictured below right) — on Saturday (20 September).

Nicola announced on Twitter the night before that it would be “Dodi’s” last event and was

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“touched” by the amount of supporters to came to see final run.

“The crowd made it so special,” Nicola told H&H. “He was clapped and cheered from start to finish.

“He has had a super year it seemed fitting for a Yorkshire bred, owned and ridden horse to finish at a Yorkshire event.”

Dodi was dropped down from four-star level after last year’s Burghley but he has had a successful season at three-star with seven top-ten finishes.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Nicola and his owner/breeder Rosemary Search have now decided that he should be retired.

“He is a horse that has his own instruction manual,” Nicola said.

“He is still so enthusiastic. He wouldn’t know when the right time for him to retire would be, so it is up to us to make the right decision.

“It is so lovely that he has finished his fantastic career still sound and he has got lots of years left to enjoy the retirement he deserves.”

Dodi is going to spend his retirement at Nicola’s Yorkshire base where he will be hacked out by his long-term groom Lynn Swift and may also be used as a “nanny” for younger horses at events.

“I’m sure he will be sad when he sees the horsebox go out but he will still very much be King of the yard,” added Nicola.

“He is very laid back and enjoys hacking and being in the field

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He certainly won’t miss his dressage schooling but he will miss the cross-country.”

Nicola and Dodi have completed 11 four-stars and represented TeamGB at four championships.

“He has many fabulous memories to re-live,” Nicola added.

“It is his cross-country that has been amazing. I will always remember whizzing around all those cross-country tracks with ease.

“I will probably never have a horse quite like him again.”

How does retirement livery work? [H&H VIP]

Horse & Hound — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 15:00:23 +0000

Deciding what to do with your retired horse is not easy, but one option is retirement livery.

This involves sending your horse to a yard that is specifically designed to meet the needs of retired horses with minimum input from the owner.

However, this service comes at a cost.

“Retirement livery may appear an attractive option, but it is essential to ensure it is feasible for you financially,” advises Gemma Stanford, head of welfare at The British Horse Society (BHS).

So how does it work?

Rachel Holman runs Hivron Horse Haven (HHH), a specialist retirement livery yard.

“Once a retired horse comes to stay at HHH, it is usual for him to stay with us until he passes away,” she explains. “Owners are welcome to come and see their horses anytime, but generally, we only see owners one to three times a year. I keep in touch with emails and photos.”

Cost and packages

Prices will vary from yard to yard, but you can expect to pay anything from £40 to £130 per week.

“The basic cost for retirement services at HHH varies from £45 to £58 per week depending on the size of your horse, which includes general care, grooming and rug changing, plus feed, worming, hoof trimming and rug washing/reproofing,” says Rachel.

“Horses are turned out in small groups, and during the winter, the horses are either stabled at night and turned out during the day, or have access to field shelters 24/7.

“The only added extras will be for shoeing (most retired horses are unshod), vet bills, major rug repair bills, new rugs if needed, medication and special supplements.”

Packages on offer at other yards vary from basic grass livery where your horse lives out all year with daily feeding and attention, to full care involving overnight stabling, grooming and light exercise if required.

Some packages include feed, medication, veterinary and farriery services, while with others, these will cost extra.

It’s a good idea to visit potential establishments before placing your horse there, particularly if it is a fair distance away.

“It is also advisable to draw up a clear contractual formal agreement between you and the livery owner, signed by both parties, so there is a clear expectation from both,” says Gemma.

Other options

Rehoming your veteran is another option, although this can be risky as deputy head of UK Support at World Horse Welfare (WHW), Sam Chubbock, explains: “WHW would always urge caution when rehoming horses for retirement, particularly with younger horses being retired due to injury or the like, as unfortunately they can attract unscrupulous people who say they will retire them but really want to disguise their problems and sell them on for profit.

“Retirement doesn’t suit all horses, so each case needs to be considered individually.”

Another option is to consider having your horse put to sleep.

Gemma says: “It is better to have a horse put down in familiar surroundings than to rehome unwisely. The BHS can offer support via our Friends at the End scheme.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (18 September 2014)

6 ways to save money on your livery bill

Hugginstown bows out at Blair Castle

Horse & Hound — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 11:55:59 +0000

Eventer Matthew Wright retired Charlotte Cole’s grand old campaigner Hugginstown at Blair Castle at the weekend (Sunday 24 August).

The pair had taken the CCI2* at the Scottish event for the third time.

The 17-year-old by Puissance was “only bought to have some fun with” while owner Charlotte Cole’s other horse was off work, but he has a remarkable record in this class: three wins (2009, 2010, 2014), two seconds (2011, 2012) and a fifth (2013).

“He’s as hard as nails and he’s like a pet to me,” said Matthew, who climbed from eighth after dressage. “He’s staying with me to hunt now.”

Blair this year was something of a trial run for the 2015 European Championships at the venue, with plenty of foreign riders competing and checking out the site.

Work is well underway on improvements for the championships, including a new grass dressage arena and two extra waters on the cross-country.

For full report don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H magazine, out Thursday, 28 August

A taste of the Blair cross-country — venue for the 2015 European Championships [PICS]

Check out fences on the 2014 CCI3* course for a flavour of the hilly cross-country track ahead of next year's

Retirement of top breeder leads to dispersal sale

Ellie Hughes — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 08:00:44 +0000

Heavy horse enthusiasts will have a chance acquire some of the country’s finest Shire horse bloodlines as leading breeder and showman Keith Downs hangs up his boots.

Keith and his wife, Pam, (pictured above) are staging a dispersal sale of all 20 horses in their Milnerfield Stables at Skipton Auction Mart in North Yorkshire on 9 August.

Both Shire horses and coloured cobs will go under the hammer — including 20 mares and foals, yearling fillies and a three-year-old cob broken to ride and drive.

It will be the first sale of its kind staged at Skipton Auction Mart, with the livestock pens specifically adapted to house the horses, which will also be put through their paces from 11.30am, with the sale starting at 1pm.

Over the years the stable has produced many champions at local, regional and national shows. Among its top performers is Milnerfield Sir William, national champion at the Shire Horse Society 2010 spring show in Peterborough and reserve national champion the following year.

Some Milnerfield horses in the dispersal sell with foals at foot and have been served again, while others have been served this season.

Keith Downs, a well-known face on the local agricultural show circuit, said that he was handing over the reins after more than three “enjoyable and fulfilling” decades to concentrate on his core farming interests.

Dispersal sale catalogues are available from Skipton Auction Mart and can also be viewed online at www.ccmauctions.com.

9 tips for a horse’s happy retirement

Horse & Hound — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 09:00:31 +0000

Deciding whether it is the right time to retire your horse is a tricky one and just like people, horses adapt to retirement in different ways.

“Some enjoy a good quality of life out in the field, while others never really settle,” says Liane Preshaw, welfare development manager at the Horse Trust. The trust specialises in providing retirement and respite for working horses, including those who have served a lifetime in the police, Army and Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

“If your horse struggles, perhaps he can manage some light work or a gentle hack a couple of times a week.

“What’s important is to treat every horse as an individual.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

How does retirement livery work? [H&H VIP]

Deciding what to do with your retired horse is not easy, but one option is retirement livery. Stephanie Bateman explains

Once you’ve made a decision about retirement, here are 9 tips to make it as happy as possible for your horse:

1. Easing a horse into retirement is the key to a happy old age, according to Liane at the Horse Trust. “Keep the horse’s normal routine, but decrease his workload gradually over a couple of weeks.”

2. “His diet may need reviewing — some retired horses still need supplementary feed, while others may be prone to obesity,” says Liane. If he’s a slow eater, allow him time to finish meals and make sure he’s getting his fair share of hay in the field.

3. Your horse’s ability to go without shoes will depend upon his hoof health and ground conditions.

4. “There’s a misconception that some horses won’t cope with living out,” adds Liane. “Most will be very happy in the field 24/7 — provided they have shelter and companionship.”

5. Just because a horse has retired does not mean he should be forgotten. “Some owners think that a retired horse needs a lot less input, but this is not the case,” says Liane. “Basic management needs — including farriery, worming and dentistry — should still be met. A bit of quiet walking in-hand can be beneficial for some health issues, such as arthritis.”

6. A companion, in the form of another equine or a goat, sheep or chickens, can ward off loneliness. But choose thoughtfully — just because a horse is old does not mean that he’ll suddenly change the social habits of a lifetime.

7. Don’t write off all activity — gentle hacking or walking in-hand can ease stiffness and keep an agile mind happy.

8. Some horses thrive on being part of a busy yard. If he’s the sort to enjoy attention, he’ll appreciate the occasional pampering session.

9. Retirement livery could be an option if you lack the space or time to give a horse a comfortable old age.

The full article was published in 3 July issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Former grand prix showjumper dies

Martha Terry — Wed, 21 May 2014 15:10:28 +0000

Just 9 days after the death of Parcival, Tim Stockdale said goodbye to another of his great greys — Santa’s Echo. The Irish-bred 33-year-old died at his owners, the Chubbs’, home (19 May).

Tim described Santa’s Echo as an out-and-out winner — he landed 5 grands prix in 1997, represented GB and won a Nations Cup.

“He was such a special horse,” said Tim. “He was a bit of a scallywag, who had to believe that he was in charge.

“He was super talented, careful and quick, but not the type to be told what to do — everything had to be on his terms.

Tim said that he was typically Irish, with “a lovely head and intelligent eye”.

“He was anti-training and hated going round in circles,” said Tim, who started riding him when he was 8, by which time he had also been jumped by Jimmy Lister, Geoff Billington and Alan Clutterbuck. “He liked going out in the field and hacking. But once you had the key to him, he was a real winner.”

Santa’s Echo was retired from the international stage after injuring a tendon at Hickstead aged 16. The pair were last reunited in a veteran class at Horse of the Year Show in 2008. He spent his retirement with the Chubbs.

“He used to hack along the Sussex Downs, and became a local celebrity,” said Tim. “He lived to a super age, but it feels like all my old horses made a pact to go together.”

Tim’s brilliant speed horse, Glenwood Springs, also passed away this year, aged 26.

Popular National Hunt star bows out

Martha Terry — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 13:00:33 +0000

Top-class chaser Tidal Bay has been retired at the age of 13. The Wylies’ gelding won 15 of his 42 starts, including Grade 1s at the Cheltenham Festival, Aintree and Leopardstown.

He was a horse who was known for doing his own thing, in his own time, his own way — a characteristic which earned him a legion of fans.

Despite his enigmatic style, he went unbeaten when first campaigned over fences between April 2007 and November 2008, bar 1 race in February when he went down by a neck.

His CV is headed by major wins in the Arkle, Maghull Novices’ Chase and Cleeve Hurdle for his first trainer Howard Johnson, followed by the bet365 Gold Cup, 2 West Yorkshire Hurdles and a Lexus Chase for Paul Nicholls.

His penultimate race — predicted beforehand to be his swansong — was the Grand National, for which he was top-weight. He was going well when he unseated jockey Sam Twiston-Davies.

He was officially retired at a Champions Parade (pictured) at the finale of the National Hunt season last Saturday (26 April) at Sandown Park.

Paul Nicholls described him as “an absolute legend” and while the horse has been running with credit this season — including third in the Welsh National —connections wanted to retire him at the top and in one piece.

Although Tidal Bay was very talented, he has had breathing issues and didn’t enjoy training uphill. He has rewarded connections for not attempting to battle with him, but keeping him sweet.

“He’s a real character, you have to be very careful with him in his box — sometimes he can take half an hour to catch,” Paul told H&H. “His groom Michelle Kramer and him get on fine, but she’s often covered in bruises from his bites.”

Owen Graham Wylie talked of the “pleasure and great days out” their horse had provided.

“He always does his best work at the end of the race and that gives us many exciting days,” he said. “His stable is his castle, though — woe betide anyone who enters his box without fear of being bitten.”

He won £812,978 prize-money.

Veteran horses: when is the best time to retire? [H&H VIP]

Horse & Hound — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 09:00:27 +0000

When should you wind down the workload with an older performance horse? Lesley Barwise-Munro MRCVS discusses how to read the subtle signs that maybe enough is enough

This year we’ve seen some of the all-time greats make their final appearances, including eventers Lenamore (pictured) and Headley Britannia, plus dressage stars Mr President and Mistral Hojris.

Knowing when to call time on a successful career can be tough. How can we judge what’s appropriate for an equine geriatric and whether he should be eased into retirement?

To try to answer these questions we need some understanding of geriatric physiology, which is becoming increasingly important in equine sports medicine. Around a quarter of horses in the UK are 15 years or older, and a further quarter of these compete in a wide range of activities including dressage, eventing and showjumping.

In certain disciplines it can take many years of training to reach elite levels. Appropriate management of an older horse is critical to keep him at the top of his game. Owners, trainers and riders must remain vigilant, however, and be prepared to step back if it becomes apparent their horse has done enough at that level and needs to wind down or retire.

How old is ‘old’?

The age at which a horse is classified as geriatric is still under debate, but 15-20 years is considered the point at which peak physiological functions begin to decline.

It would appear that some of the decreased exercise capacity in older horses is as a result of owners prematurely reducing work duration and intensity.

A decline in cardiovascular capacity occurs with increasing age. Horses around 20 years old have been found to have a permanently decreased maximal heart rate of around 193 beats per minute (bpm) in response to work. This compares to the 220-240 bpm of a young racing thoroughbred.

This means that when an old horse works at high intensity his heart cannot deliver enough oxygen around his body to meet the demands of exercising muscles. Aged horses therefore start to build up lactic acid in their muscles at much lower speeds compared to young horses, which impairs performance and slows recovery.

Significant changes, such as a decrease in willingness to work and a more laboured recovery, require veterinary assessment. Early detection and assessment of heart murmurs is important — 20% of over-15-year-olds have been found to have them.

Age has been identified as a significant risk factor associated with left-sided valvular regurgitation (murmurs), such as aortic and mitral insufficiency (when the mitral valve does not close properly). These conditions can affect performance in ageing equine athletes and their progression should be monitored.

The warning signs of heart problems can be commonly mistaken as the horse just getting older. Progression of left-sided heart murmurs can be an important reason for reducing a horse’s workload or retiring him from a rider safety point of view.

Age-related changes

The respiratory system also undergoes changes with age. Small airway disease, such as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage and hyper-reactive airway disease are common.

These age-related changes have a negative effect on exercise tolerance. Lifelong exposure to dusts and mould may contribute to this decline in lung function. Good air hygiene is therefore important throughout a horse’s athletic career to prevent airway disease causing early retirement.

Another potential problem in older horses is a decline in the ability to control core temperature and regulate fluid balance during exercise. During high-intensity work the horse’s rate of heat production can be 40-60 times above resting level. If this excess metabolic heat generated is not dissipated, life-threatening rises in body temperature can develop and affect health and performance at all levels of work.

Research from the USA studying the effects of age on thermoregulation found that geriatric horses working at the same intensity as young horses reached a body temperature of 40°C in half the time. This problem is linked to the decline in maximum heart rate and cardiac output.

During exercise the older horse’s cardiovascular system prioritises blood flow to the increased oxygen and energy demands of the muscles. As a consequence, blood flow to the skin and the ability to sweat are reduced. This in turn can lead to overheating.

Older horses are thought to be constantly slightly dehydrated, which also contributes to the problems of a poor sweating mechanism. Owners, trainers and event organisers should be aware of the need for vigorous cooling of older horses competing in demanding sports, especially at high ambient temperatures and in humid conditions.

A career rethink

Unexplained poor performance in horses over 15 should prompt a test for Cushing’s syndrome, which is thought to affect 1 in 5 aged animals.

Increasing age is also linked with significant changes in metabolism, which can result in obesity. This impairs athletic ability and predisposes a horse to lameness and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).

Regular exercise at least 4 days a week is beneficial to older horses to reduce the risk of EMS. Blood testing for insulin resistance can help with more accurate management.

One effect of age on body composition is a reduction in lean muscle mass and a change of muscle fibre type. The latter also contributes to the lower exercise capacity of aged horses.

Lameness is probably one of the most common reasons why older horses need to have their work level reduced, be retired or even euthanased. Recent surveys have shown that almost half of the aged population is lame at trot and yet around 40% of this group are still in work at some level.

Non-traumatic musculoskeletal conditions result from the culmination of many years of athletic activity and relate to joint wear and tear. Joint cartilage becomes more brittle and vulnerable to damage by mechanical loading, leading to osteoarthritis.

A reduced range of joint motion is a result of joint pain and osteoarthritis and is more common in the knees, fetlocks and hocks. The older horse may appear to become more careless with poles down in showjumping, or even develop a change in front limb jumping action which can have safety implications during cross-country. With correct management, he may continue to perform athletically.

Recurring or non-responsive lameness that impairs performance and jeopardises welfare requires a review of the horse’s career plan and training methods.

To conclude, a number of physiological alterations can predispose the older athletic horse to reductions in performance. But with good preventive healthcare, including regular veterinary involvement and specifically tailored training programmes, older horses can continue to perform well into their second decade and beyond.

Equine athletes enjoy the mental stimulation of working and competing. Where possible, a different career or a more manageable work routine is preferable to complete retirement.

Horses aged 15-plus: the facts

A quarter of the UK horse population is 15 years or older. That’s around 300,000 animals:

26% of these still compete
21% are not exercised at all
58% have cataracts (most are older than 30 years on veterinary examination)
20% have a cardiac murmur
14% have lower airway abnormalities
49% are lame at trot (40% of which are still in work)
20% have Cushing’s disease
25% are overweight
95% have some form of dental disease
40% of owners report that the horse has reduced joint flexibility
26% report loss of weight/body condition

Managing the older competition horse

Eventer High Learchild gave his best performances aged 16-17, winning at open intermediate and completing Bramham and Blair Castle.

Craig Anderson, who competed “Sam” for owner Margaret Burns for 8 years, said: “In the latter years he began to change. He took longer to get fit and never seemed to attain his previous peak fitness, often reaching for his second wind on hills and taking longer to recover after cross-country.

“Warm-up at events meant plenty of long, low stretching to get rid of stiffness, and his canter needed more pace to manage the showjumping.”

Lameness eventually prompted Sam’s retirement and he was put down at 18 due to a stifle injury.

“He was not a horse that would take to retirement and the Northumberland winters are long and harsh,” added Craig, who rated Sam as the best he has ridden.

This veterinary feature was first published in Horse & Hound magazine

Trainer John Dunlop retires after 46-year career

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:09:57 +0000

Trainer John Dunlop is retiring after 46 years in racing.

He has won 10 British Classics – including the Derby in 1978 with Shirley Heights and in 1994 with Erhaab.

He also won the 1000 Guineas and the Oaks with Salsabil in 1994.

He has trained winners of all the British Classics except the 2000 Guineas.

And last week he saddled Times Up to win the Doncaster Cup at the St Leger meeting (14 September).

His sons, Harry and Ed, are also trainers.

The 73-year-old, who is based in Arundel, West Sussex, cited a reduced string and his wife’s ill health for the decision.

John returned to training after suffering a ruptured aorta in 2001.

He is vice president of Racing Welfare and on the board of the British Racing School.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (20 September 2012)

Top horses retire after London 2012 Olympic Games

Carol Phillips — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:13:15 +0000

Greenwich was the final time that equestrian fans got to see a number of top horses in competition. Dressage stars Salinero and Ravel, eventers Gazelle De Le Brasserie and Amistad and showjumper Vigo d’Arsouilles were all retired from international competition after the Games.

Anky van Grusven retired Salinero after helping the Netherlands to secure the team bronze medal, making her the most medalled Olympic rider in history. Salinero’s record includes two individual Olympic gold medals, as well as team silver and bronze. This incredible partnership, who reigned at the very top of the sport for so many years, finished on a high with a brilliant freestyle scoring 82% for sixth place.

America’s Steffen Peters also decided to make the London Games the final competition for his 14-year-old partner, Ravel. An American team stalwart and one of the few horses that can claim to have beaten Olympic champion Valegro, unfortunately Ravel didn’t go out in a blaze of glory, looking distracted in his freestyle to score 77.268% and finish 17th.

“That’s it for Ravel,” said Steffen after the freestyle. “I will remember him for his great career. If you put it all together, today was only a glitch. He has given us all so much.”

Eventer Karin Donkers brought the competitive career of her consistent and long-serving Gazelle De Le Brasserie to a close after finishing 15th and best of the Belgians in London.

The 18-year-old Swiss warmblood is known for her attractive dressage tests — she was seventh in London and second at the 2008 Olympics after this phase — and good showjumping technique. Unfortunately their success at the highest level has always been thwarted by time penalties on the cross-country.

The career of Canadian rider Michelle Mueller‘s mount Amistad came to a premature end after the cross-country phase in London. One of only two Canadian partnerships to complete the testing track, the 13-year-old gelding was found to have damaged his tendon and has been retired from the sport as a result.

And last, but by no means least, the reigning showjumping world champion Vigo d’Arsouilles was retired from competition after picking up an injury on the second day of the jumping competition. The 14-year-old stallion will continue to stand at stud.

His Belgian rider Philippe Le Jeune said: “I wanted to finish in style with a great Olympic result. Unfortunately, fate has decided otherwise.”

Principal of Hartpury College to retire this summer

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 10:55:26 +0000

Malcolm Wharton, principal of Hartpury College, is to retire this summer.

Mr Wharton, who has been at Hartpury for 20 years, is to move to Devon when he steps down after the horse trials in August.

“One of the achievements I am most proud of during my time at the College is the successful establishment of the Hartpury Equine brand,” he told H&H.

“I am delighted with the outstanding reputation that Hartpury has for high-quality education, resources and events.”

He will be succeeded by Russell Marchant, who is joining from Barony College, Dumfries.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (5 July 2012)

William Fox-Pitt retires successful four-star horse Macchiato

Pippa Roome — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 09:00:15 +0000

William Fox-Pitt’s four-star winner Macchiato has been retired, aged 14.

William’s website reported this week: “Michael and Jane Kier [owners] and I felt that he has done so much for us over the years and that he owed us nothing.

“The time feels right to retire him while he is still fit and well and we are very happy that he will enjoy a busy retirement with Lucy Jones, who used to look after him when she was part of the team here.

“He has been the most brilliant horse, far exceeding all of our expectations.”

By Octante, the 17hh Macchiato was bred in Argentina and raced in Australia before William bought him from a video. He is one of three Bramham winners William has acquired in this way via agent Sharon Ridgway – the others are 2009 winner Navigator and 2005 victor Mr Dumbledore.

William did not immediately jump for the horse because he is not the best mover, admitting at the time of Macchiato’s Bramham win: “I sat on the video for a few months umming and ahhing about his trot and found nothing better.”

Once at the Fox-Pitt yard Macchiato was kicked in the head in the field, but his luck turned when he was the surprise winner of the British intermediate championships in 2006.

Although never the flashest horse in William’s string, Macchiato turned in some excellent results. William often remarked that he was a horse who really tried and his consistency in the cross-country and showjumping generally pulled him up the order after dressage.

Macchiato won Luhm ¼hlen in 2008 on his four-star debut and also completed six other four-stars, finishing fifth at Badminton 2009, sixth at Burghley 2010 and ninth at Luhm ¼hlen last year. He also won Blair – surviving a very dicey moment across country when he and William bounced back up together despite Macchiato’s tummy scraping the floor – and Bramham CCI***s in 2007. In all, he collected 1241 British Eventing points during his career.

Mclain Ward retires Olympic-gold winning showjumper Sapphire

Charlotte White — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:16:12 +0000

US showjumper Mclain Ward has retired his two-time Olympic gold-medal winning partner Sapphire.

Mclain has ridden 17-year-old “Sara” for 10 years and they have competed in two Olympics, two World Equestrian Games, six World Cup finals and numerous grands prix.

Sapphire strained a check ligament in March 2011 and was out of action for the rest of the season.

But she returned to competition and was long-listed for the 2012 Olympics – which would have been her third Games.

Then in January this year Mclain had to undergo surgery for a fractured kneecap.

The decision was made earlier this week to retire her.

Mclain wrote on Facebook: “While it is the end of her incredible career, I refuse to be sad. Sara is retiring healthy, happy and at her best.”

Sapphire and Mclain won team gold at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.

The pair were at the centre of an investigation for hypersensitivity of the legs in the 2010 World Cup jumping final, but their elimination was later overturned.

Nicola Wilson’s Scottish open champion Bee Diplomatic retires

Pippa Roome — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:30:19 +0000

Nicola Wilson’s four-star ride Bee Diplomatic has been retired from eventing.

Bee Diplomatic, a half-brother to Nicola’s British team regular Opposition Buzz, was entered for this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, but withdrawn a couple of weeks ago before the event was cancelled.

Nicola has now announced on her website that he has been retired from eventing “due to a few ongoing niggling problems”.

The 12-year-old was bred by his owner Rosemary Search, out of the Java Tiger mare Jungle Bee, by State Diplomacy. He started his eventing career with Katherine Heslop, before Jeanette Brakewell took over in 2006 and produced him to two-star level.

Bee Diplomatic moved to Nicola’s yard in 2010 and his best result with her was winning the Scottish open championships at Blair last year. He was also 10th at Bramham CCI*** 2010, sixth there in 2011 and 18th at Pau CCI**** last year. He earned 361 British Eventing points during his career.

“How lovely for Rosemary to have bred two horses [Bee Diplomatic and Opposition Buzz] that competed at four-star level,” said Nicola on her website. “He [Bee Diplomatic] will now retire to do dressage and hopefully have a lot more success.”

Nicola had planned to run Opposition Buzz at Badminton, but is now among the London Olympic hopefuls re-routing to Chatsworth this weekend (12-13 May).

Redundant shires will move to Norfolk animal sanctuary

Charlotte White — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:55:45 +0000

Two shire horses, made redundant in a round of cuts to Bradford Industrial Museum, have a new home.

Darcy and Murdoch will move from the Moorside Road museum, where they pull visitors around in a wagon, to the Hillside Sanctuary’s visitor centre in Frettenham, Norfolk on Friday.

A spokesman for the Hillside centre said although the pair will no longer be in work they will be part of the range of talks that are run at the centre.

“They will be retired and will live with the other shires we have at the centre,” said Karen Hobden

Bradford Council said the relocation of the horses was a “difficult decision”, made as a result of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review.

A public campaign to save the horses started in June when council bosses revealed plans to find a new home for them.

A 1,500-name petition was collected and pupils at Allerton Primary School presented posters and letters to the Council, urging leaders to keep them at the centre.

High-profile police horse given warm send off as he retires

Horse & Hound — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:34:00 +0000

A 21-year-old police horse, who has enjoyed a high-profile career, embarked on his well-deserved retirement on Monday.

Hallam was part of the South Yorkshire Police mounted unit. He attended close to 700 football matches throughout his career, played a major role in policing the G8 conference in 2005, paraded on Remembrance Sunday and welcomed British troops home from Afghanistan.

Hallam will now enjoy an easier life at the Horse and Pony Protection Association centre at Briercliffe, near Barnsley.

A police spokesman said: “Recently Hallam’s workload has been reduced to reflect his advancing years. But his experience and nature have been invaluable in escorting new and inexperienced horses during riot and fire training and patrolling the county’s busiest roads.”

Hallam had nine different riders throughout his police career, many of whom turned up to wish him well on Monday.

Showjumper Di Lampard hangs up her boots

Horse & Hound — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:30:20 +0000

Di Lampard has retired from competition to concentrate on her new role as a British Showjumping (BS) selector and assistant chef d’equipe.

“It’s been increasingly difficult to compete alongside my coaching commitments,” said Di, 54, who is expanding training facilities at her Spring Farm, Leics, base.

“I’m a perfectionist and doing both was impossible.”

Successful as a young rider team coach and chef d’equipe at the 2008 Youth Olympics in Australia and as BS consultant head of training, Di’s new role as assistant chef d’equipe arose from a phone call with performance manager Rob Hoekstra and began 12 months ago.

Nominated by Rob, Di is now a selector for senior British teams and will share more chef d’equipe duties with him.

“Di makes an ideal team manager,” said BS performance development chairman Clare Whitaker. “She’s ridden at championship level, is full of knowledge, a great communicator and knows what is required.”

Former team-mate Geoff Billington agreed: “Di was a solid team member who could always be relied upon,” he said.

“As selector, she’ll know exactly what’s going on and her judgement will not be swayed.”

Di is selling all her top horses, including 2010 H&H Foxhunter finalist Puck and the exciting 10-year-old stallion Curtis.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (2 June, 2011)

Escapado retires to former rider Carl Hester’s yard

Horse & Hound — Tue, 10 May 2011 15:17:42 +0000

Escapado, the gelding who played a pivotal role in Carl Hester’s international career before teaming up with the Netherlands’ Hans Peter Minderhoud, has been retired.

And the story has a happy ending for British dressage fans — the gelding is back in England and living out his retirement at home with Carl, who picked him up from Hans Peter’s yard on Sunday.

“I owe so much to Escapado,” Hans Peter told eurodressage.com. “He enabled my transistion to Grand Prix and I was able to ride beautiful shows with him. I am very happy that Escapado returns to Carl where he can enjoy his retirement.”

Carl and Escapdo finished best of Brits in 13th at the 2004 Athens Olympics, before putting in a career-defining performance to take fifth at the 2005 European Championships.

Derwent huntsman retires after 32 years of hunt service

Horse & Hound — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:47:17 +0000

The Derwent’s Anthony Nicholson is retiring from hunt service after his 32nd season.

Anthony started as kennel boy at the Mendip Farmers in 1979, moving to the South and West Wilts as kennelman after two seasons.

He was later promoted to first whipper-in, and then was kennel-huntsman to the Middleton from 1990-2000.

He has hunted the Derwent for the past 11 seasons, where he gained a reputation as a great teacher and mentor to young hunt staff.

A testimonial fund has been set up for him, and donations should be sent to Mrs Glynis Ludkin, Spring Farm, Langdale End, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO13 0LL.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (31 March, 2011)

William Fox-Pitt may retire after London 2012 Olympic Games

Horse & Hound — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:44:27 +0000

William Fox-Pitt is considering retiring from top-level eventing after the 2012 Olympics, the rider has revealed in an exclusive interview with H&H’s sister publication Horse.

In the article, published in Horse’s February issue, the 41-year-old said he wants to spend more time with his young family and does not want to push his good fortune in not having suffered a serious injury.

“I want to have more time with the children and [my wife] Alice. I want to have a bit more of a life,” said William.

The slog of back-to-back competitions was not something he wanted to continue in the long term, he admitted.

“It’s mental. I did 12 three-day events in 2010 — that’s 12 weeks away from home before you factor in all the one-days,” he said.

“To spend a quarter of your year living in a horsebox, well, I’m just not sure it’s possible to carry on with that momentum.”

British eventing team trainer Yogi Breisner said William’s consistency sets him apart.

“He has continually produced horses that can compete at the highest level and coming up to the Olympics has a number to choose from,” he said.

“A rider of William’s calibre is always going to be missed, but everyone’s focus is on the Olympics at the moment and I would not like to speculate as to whether he will retire after 2012.”

William’s 25-year career took off in 1987 when he won his first European medal, a silver, at the junior European Championships and he first represented Britain at senior level in 1993.

His results sheet includes five wins at Burghley and one at Badminton, but William has unfinished business.

“I felt that Pau last October was a missed opportunity as it is the only one of the big four-stars that I haven’t won,” he said, adding that he would love to win Badminton again.

William and Alice have hinted that they plan to train racehorses one day and Alice has already trained a couple of point-to-pointers.

“Eventing will be a hard habit to break, but there are other things I want to do, like training racehorses” added William.

To read William’s interview in full, see the February issue of Horse magazine, on sale now.

This article was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound, 6 January 2011

Pytchley huntsman Matthew Puffer to retire

Horse & Hound — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:08:49 +0000

Matthew Puffer, who has hunted the Pytchley for the past six seasons, is retiring at the end of the season.

Matthew, 53, has spent 36 years in hunt service, starting as a boy with the Atherstone.

He had subsequent spells at the Blankney, Cotswold Vale Farmers’, Crawley and Horsham — where he met his wife Angela — the Heythrop, Portman and Cheshire Forest, before he moved to the Pytchley after Peter Jones’s retirement in 2005.

A testimonial committee is being put together. Joint-master Will Spencer said: “During the past six seasons, Matthew has produced a superb pack of hounds and this will be his legacy to us.

“My fellow masters and I are most grateful to Matthew for the help and support he has provided us during our first few seasons.”

This article was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound, 2 December 2010

The Horse Trust launches rehoming scheme for retired horses

Horse & Hound — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:42:33 +0000

The Horse Trust has launched a rehoming scheme for the first time in its 123-year history in response to demand from horse owners affected by the credit crunch.

The charity has been overwhelmed with horses donated by desperate owners and say they are running out of room.

The new scheme will rehome retired horses from any background that are unsuitable to be ridden.

For details, visit www.horsetrust.org.uk

This news story was first published in H&H (5 November, ’09)

Met’s longest-serving police horse, Raleigh, retires after 20 years

Horse & Hound — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:43:58 +0000

After 20 years of duty, the Metropolitan Police Service’s longest serving police horse, Raleigh, is retiring from the force at the age of 23.

Raleigh joined the Met’s Mounted Training Establishment at Imber Court, Surrey, at the age of 3, and has since had a long and distinguished career as a police horse in London.

There are 148 officers and 120 horses in the Met’s mounted branch, with seven operational stables across London.

Most horses enjoy a career of approximately 15 years. His rider, Pc Bill Hounsome, said that although Raleigh is something of a veteran, he is still very “fit and youthful”, describing how “when he’s excited he bucks and jumps around, and is good at tempting people into feeding him apples and other treats”.

As well as daily patrols and ceremonial duties, like the Changing of the Guard and Trooping the Colour, Raleigh was involved in policing almost every large-scale event held in London, ranging from the Notting Hill Carnival to football matches and demonstrations.

He also spent 3 years as part of the Met’s display team, performing the Activity Ride, a fast moving display where horses complete fast crossovers and jump through fire and solid paper walls.

Raleigh can now look forward to a more relaxed pace of life in his new home in Seven Oaks, Kent, where he will join fellow ex-Met police horse, Hector, in the care of Pc Hounsome.

Top hurdler Inglis Drever retires from racing

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:10:36 +0000

Three-time Cheltenham World Hurdle winner Inglis Drever has been retired.

The Graham Wylie-owned racehorse’s future had been uncertain since he sustained a hock injury in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last November.

Trainer Howard Johnson had originally hoped that Inglis Drever would be back to defend his crown at this year’s Festival, and he was entered into the race.

But today (Wednesday 21 January) Mr Johnson announced that the horse would not be returning to the track.

Lucy Forbes, Howard Johnson’s daughter and secretary, told H&H: ‘We retired him today and he will be heading up to Northumberland to live with Mr Wylie. He will be happy up there sharing a paddock with Lord Transcend.

“We tried to work him on the road on the vet’s advice but he really wasn’t happy as soon as we put the tack on him.

“Maybe after he’s had time to relax and had a few months sun on his back then he’ll feel like being ridden again but we’ll do whatever is best for him.

“The vet has given him the all clear to be ridden — his X-ray came back 100% clear — but it depends what the little character wants to do!

“Howard had already half made his mind up as he’s such a lovely horse. There are too many good horses that are run once too often and it ends in a sad way — and we couldn’t have that happen to him. He’s given us all so much and he didn’t deserve it.

“Howard will be sad when he goes though as he’s been such a great horse.”

Thwaites brewery shire horse retires after 15 years of deliveries

Horse & Hound — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:09:26 +0000

Thwaites Brewery’s star dray horse has been retired after 15 years of service.

Classic, the 18-year-old shire, was retired after a ceremony at the Horse of the Year Show last month (7-11 October).

Thwaites has four horses and a new 3-year-old has joined the team to replace Classic. He has not yet been named.

The brewery first had horses in the early 1800s but in the 1920s they were made redundant. In 1960 they were re-introduced and have been in action ever since.

Head horseman for the brewery Charles Beardmore has been at Thwaites in Lancashire since 1969. Richard Green and Jonathan Jones work with Charles in the stables looking after the horses, preparing them for appearances and exercising them every morning.

Charles told H&H: “He’s a star — he’s everything you could want from a horse. He’s kind, gentle, strong, reliable and a real character — a proper showman. He’s a legend at Thwaites.”

The horses make deliveries round the streets of Blackburn as well as making regular public appearances at show and photoshoots.

This year they will be present for the switching on of the Christmas light in Burnley as well as pulling Santa Claus’s sleigh on Christmas Eve.

And the new recruit is already feeling at home. “He’s settling in fine,” said Charles. “It will take him a while to get into the routine, but you can never tell — all horses have their different quirks and personalities. We have to fully train him — get him used to a bit, a harness and then practice pulling a “sledge” before we move him onto vehicles.”

Police horses Iceni and Sawyer retire to The Horse Trust

Charlotte White — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:20:38 +0000

Two eighteen-year-old police horses, from opposite end of England are to live out their retirements together at The Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire.

Iceni, a 17.2hh Percheron x Irish Draught comes to the home of rest from his duties with Thames Valley Police, where he has attended royal weddings, football matches, music concerts, school and state visits and demonstrations.

His former rider Sergeant John Thurston said: “Iceni has been fantastic to ride and I will miss him but I am very grateful that The Horse Trust has taken him.”

And his new friend Sawyer has travelled from Greater Manchester Police, where his beat included all aspects of community work and he became a regular at European football matches.

Paul Jepson, chief executive of the Horse Trust, said: “Our Home of Rest is here for all working horses.

“To see two police horses, who have given so much to their communities and worked so hard, turned out to green pastures in anticipation of a long and healthy retirement, fulfils the traditional values of our founder Ann Lindo.

“In the words of Black Beauty, the inspiration behind the sanctuary, both will now know ‘I shall never be sold and so I have nothing to fear; and here my story ends’.”

Grand National winning jockey Mick Fitzgerald is retiring from race riding

Horse & Hound — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:49:08 +0000

National hunt jockey Mick Fitzgerald has announced he will be hanging up his boots.

The charismatic jockey is retiring from race-riding after sustaining neck and knee damage during a fall from L’Ami in the 2008 Grand National in April.

He subsequently underwent surgery to realign 3 vertebrae and 2 discs as well as extensive surgery on a damaged knee ligament.

The 38-year-old broke his neck in a fall in 2005 and returned to racing.

But after his latest injuries he has been advised to step down from the saddle.

Mick told H&H: “It is on the advice of my surgeons — the amount of metal and fused bone in my neck means it’s not as flexible as it used to be.

“If I had a bad fall the results could be catastrophic. I had no choice.

“I’m a little bit gutted that it wasn’t on my terms but it’s the only decision. After I was lying on my back behind the fence at Aintree and I couldn’t feel my body I’m happy not to have to be in that position again.”

In a glittering national hunt career Mick has a host of top races under his belt — including the 1999 Cheltenham Gold Cup on See More Business and the 1996 Grand National on Rough Quest.

And in 2003 he became only the 9th jump jockey to ride over 1,000 winners.

Following the decision Mick has confirmed to H&H that he is looking into an alternative career in racing broadcasting.

Two of Lancashire police force’s horses retire after a total of 31 years

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:14:51 +0000

Two of Lancashire police force’s most loyal servants are retiring after 31 years of service between them.

Hadrian and Lancer (pictured right), who are both Irish Draught x Thoroughbred, have been with Lancashire police since the early 1990s.

The elder of the pair, Hadrian, was born in 1987 and joined the police force in 1991.

During Hadrian’s 17-year career at Lancashire he has represented them in the display and showing team, as well as normal police duties.

Lancer was born in 1991 to a former police horse, Duchess, who also served Lancashire. He started in 1994 and since then he has attended football matches throughout the country.

Lancashire Constabulary’s mounted support manager Jeanette Taylor said: “Both Hadrian and Lancer have been an integral part of the mounted branch for many years and have played a key role in mounted patrols.

“They’ve been excellent horses for us and that shows in their length of service. Although their time with force is now at an end we will be making sure that their new homes are suitable and that they can settle down to retired life.”

Lancer left the force on the 23 May and Hadrian will be leaving at the end of June.

The pair will be re-homed through the World Horse Welfare and will be visited regularly.

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‘It has been a true honour’: end of an era as top horse retires aged 17

The KWPN gelding, by Namelus R, first competed in young horse classes with Robin Ingarvarsson, before Daniel Svensson took over the reins in 2015 and produced him to CSI3* level.

Peder took on the ride at the beginning of 2017 when Christian was 10, and they jumped at their first five-star competition in Belgium that April. The pair went on to achieve a host of top-10 finishes around the world, at World Cup, Nations Cup, and Global Champions Tour competitions.

Christian’s last international outing with Peder was on home soil at the Gothenburg Horse Show in February this year.

“He will now join H&M All In and spend his retirement out in the fields at home in Grevlunda,” said Peder.

“He is truly an amazing horse, nothing was ever too big for him. It has been a true honour to ride him and I’m very grateful for the career we’ve had together.”

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Is age just a number? New study looks at when horses become ‘old’

Lead author Alisa Herbst told H&H the aim of the survey, which is part of a larger project, is to help improve the overall health and well-being of older horses by gaining a greater understanding of owners’ views and experiences.

Dr Herbst added that it is important to consider the difference between reducing exercise intensity and stopping.

In the UK, horses can join the Veteran Horse Society (VHS) aged 15. Founder Julianne Aston told H&H that the society based this age on the fact racehorses are generally considered old at 15.

Ms Aston added that sometimes owners can struggle to accept their horses are “veterans”.

Hayley said she has not had to alter Rubins Nite’s management very much as he’s got older so far, but he does enjoy summer breaks between competitions and hacking.

“He knows all the grand prix movements, so I don’t need to do too much of those. It’s more about working on his fitness and suppleness as he’s got older, to be able to do the work without overloading his joints,” she said.

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‘Quirky’ cob gelding who excelled as a police horse retires aged 20

The officer who had arranged the visit said she saw a “huge change” in Dorothy following the time with Parker.

“She was totally different when she came away. She was happy and had some energy and spark that she hadn’t had when she first arrived,” she said.

“Spending that time with Piggy meant so much to her. As much as Parker has done all the demonstrations, protests and footballs, and been the backbone of the unit for so long, I feel that is one of the most special things he has done”.

The spokesman said Dorothy died around a month or so later, and Parker led her funeral procession.

“Dennis had even brought mints and came over to feed him before the service. He hugged Parker and it was clear to see what it meant to have him there,” he said.

“Dennis has continued to visit Parker since Dorothy died, both at Hough End and the football, and Parker has been a vital part of him coping without her. He may be the smallest horse on the unit, but he always makes the biggest impact. He’s one of a kind.”

“There will never be another Parker, ever.”

A Horse Trust spokesman said the charity is “honoured” to welcome Parker after his dedicated service.

“We are thrilled he will be able to enjoy very happy and much deserved retirement with us,” said the spokesman.

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‘He taught me so many life lessons’: Tokyo Olympic dressage horse retires age 16

“Sebastien taught me so many life lessons. He taught me to be patient, resilient, caring, tough, humble, and grateful,” said Lindsay.

“I have so many people to thank who went on this journey with us and were a huge part of our success and ability to get to this level,” said Lindsay.

“First and foremost, Melissa Schiff Soros and your Enterprise Farm Equestrian. None of this would be possible without you. You picked him at just three years old, identifying both his athleticism and good brain.

Lindsay thanked Sebastien’s vet team at Fairfield Equine, and formerly Rhinebeck Equine Clinic, her physios, grooms, and farriers, and her coach of 12 years Ashley Holzer.

“Lastly thank you to Sebastien for being a great partner. You are cheeky, hilarious, loving, scary, opinionated, confident, loyal all at once,” she said.

“Even though we had our moments where you would try and dictate how the ride was going to go or on some days attempt to dump me into the judges booths, I will always miss going down the centre line with you.

“I will never forget the feeling you gave me when you wanted to show off for the crowd. You were a real showman when you wanted to be and I will always cherish the partnership we had and the special moments we shared together, both in and out of the ring. Happy retirement Seb. You deserve it.”

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‘The bravest horse we had’: police horse retires after 13 years’ faithful service

A Lancashire police spokesman said Elswick participated in an “endless” list of events during his career, including football matches, high-profile protests and marches, mutual aid events with other forces, musical rides, and “so much more”.

“Elswick always wants to please, even if a bit nervous he would put all his trust in his rider and would take them into any situation,” said the spokesman. “He is by far the bravest horse we had.”

The spokesman said Elswick was one of the force’s “go-to” horses for any event.

“No matter how big, you could always rely on him,” he said.

“One of his biggest events was Burnley homecoming, where he led the coaches through the crowds and he took it all in his stride. He also went on the pitch at Preston North End versus Blackpool when crowds invaded the pitch.”

Elswick has also taught countless officers to ride over the years.

“He has appeared on many riding courses and more often than not has been everyone’s first horse when they have joined the branch, showing them the ropes,” said the spokesman.

“He really is a true gent and will be greatly missed by all here at the mounted branch. At 18 years of age we recently discovered his heart wasn’t quite working the way it should be so it is time for him to enjoy retirement.”

“It’s safe to say he will be hugely missed, but it’s time for him to put his hooves up and relax after protecting Lancashire for 13 years,” said the spokesman.

A Horse Trust spokesman said the charity is “honoured” to welcome Elswick.

“We look forward to providing him with a long and happy retirement following his faithful service to the community and Lancashire Police,” she said.

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Paralympian who had to put down dangerous horse speaks out about horses being given away or sold cheaply

Lauren and Deb told H&H they heard from a friend about the well-bred seven-year-old, “Boston”, who was being sold for £1,000. Although Lauren and Deb were “taken aback” by his low price given his breeding, they decided to view him .

When Lauren and Deb went to collect Boston the following day, he had been turned out overnight and punctured the front of his hock on barbed wire fencing. Deb called a vet before taking Boston home, and in the end paid the seller £400 for him.

Boston was given six months off while they tried to put his weight back on and he eventually became a “happier” horse. But on bringing him back into work, although he showed talent, he became unpredictable but vet checks, including X-rays, did not reveal any problems.

“To start off with he was so jolly, and we could have put Mum on him he was so good. But the fitter he got the more erratic his behaviour became,” said Lauren.

Two years after buying Boston, Lauren and Deb made the decision to put him down when he started showing the same erratic behaviour on the ground, as well as under saddle.

“I’m glad we gave him the chance, but we don’t regret putting him down because it was the right decision. We just wish we could have done more for him, but sometimes you can’t when they’re like that,” said Lauren.

Deb added that it was clear Boston was very unhappy.

“When he got to the stage he was, it was a no-brainer and the right choice. We had done everything we could to help him, but you can only do so much and then you have to make the right decision. We would never have put someone else in our position by selling him,” she said.

Lauren and Deb have shared their experience to make people think before giving away older or unrideable horses for free or cheaply.

“We don’t know if Boston had a neurological issue, or if he’d been beaten badly in his early years and was traumatised, but it’s hard to believe a horse of that breeding wasn’t in a loving home at one point in his life and for whatever reason ended up where he did,” said Lauren.

Lauren believes there are a number of reasons why people try to give horses away.

“I think some are not brave enough at making the decision to put them down, or it might be about the fact they’ve already lost money, and in some occasions maybe they’ve been shamed by others about making that difficult decision,” she said.

“It’s not to to say that giving away a horse for free is always wrong, if you know who they are going to and that they are going to have a good home – but giving away a horse that is injured, old or dangerous, when that horse might end up being sold on is wrong.”

Deb said owners need to consider the “very worst” that can happen when giving a horse away.

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Windsor grey who was ‘popular’ with The Queen retires after 15 years service

Storm will enjoy his retirement with his former equine colleague and fellow Windsor grey Daniel. The pair pulled The Queen’s carriage for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

“Storm, along with Daniel, were so popular with Her Majesty that a life-size statue of them was commissioned in 2013 and unveiled in Windsor to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee,” said a Horse Trust spokesman.

“The giant artwork was created by sculptor Robert Rattray and can be seen today on the Long Walk. It’s a wonderful way to recognise these two magnificent horses who now reside with us.”

He also joins former stablemate and Horse Trust resident Windsor grey Claudia, who retired from ceremonial duties in 2019.

“It’s lovely that Storm has so many connections to our current residents and we can’t wait to see them all together,” said the spokesman.

“All Royal Mews horses are owned by the public rather than The Queen which is why they retire to us. He has been described as bombproof, perhaps the ultimate compliment to any serving horse, meaning he wasn’t afraid of anything and was incredibly reliable,” said the Horse Trust spokesman.

“He has also been described as strong but very soft and kind in nature and we’re sure he will prove just as popular with our team and supporters as he was with Her Majesty.”

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‘No horse should have to end its life like that’: vet urges owners to stop giving away older and unrideable horses

Natalie told H&H no horse should have to end its life like that.

“This mare was in a place she didn’t really know, she couldn’t get up and she was terrified. There is no dignity in that,” she said.

“That afternoon I kept thinking about her. At some point that mare gave something to someone, and for her to basically end her days on the floor like that, was devastating.”