2021 was a banner year in show jumping for many reasons, with the Olympics and the return of top sport in venues around the world. One of the most incredible things about show jumping is the heart that both horse and rider have to bring to their partnership to make it to the top ranks, over and over again, over months and years. We riders know how special are the bonds we forge with our horses, and no matter how many medals and ribbons and trophies have been won, you can see the same level of gratitude given by any rider, Olympian or not, when it is time to wind down a horse’s career. The decision to retire these great horses is sometimes inevitable due to age, injury, or illness, and sometimes just good horsemanship. Some of the best of the best earned their soft landing this year. Let’s look at just a few of those who retired in 2021 and how they were honored for their giant hearts and eagerness to fight for that top podium spot, again and again.

In April, Phillipe Rozier announced his partner of 11 years, Rahotep De Toscane (Quidam de Revel x Beach Boy), was retiring after a bout with EHV-1 nearly ended the stallion’s life. Rahotep, who helped the French team win gold at Rio in 2016 among many other top placings, was honored at Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping in June.

Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen’s 14-year-old BWP mare Hadja Van Orshof (Cabrio van de Heffinck x Darco) sustained a career-ending injury in July, just a couple of months after their triumphant return from a previous injury to grand prix classes, with a victory in the $30,000 Cleghorn Gun Club Grand Prix at the Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Roger Yves Bost retired his 15 year old champion mare Sangria du Coty (Quaprice Bois Margot x Muguet Du Manoir) after winnings across the world representing France and individually, from grand prix to World Cups.

 

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Darragh Kenny announced the retirement of his gelding Go Easy de Muze (Vigo d’Arsouilles x For Pleasure, with whom he won his first 5* grand prix.

 

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Luca Maria Moneta retired his 20 year old partner Neptune Brecourt (Cavalor Cumano x Kayack) after over a decade of wins and top placings.

 

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Marcus Ehning retired his fantastic 18-year-old stallion Cornado NRW (Cornet Obolensky x Acobat) this year. Among many, many podium finishes, the pair placed in the top 3 in multiple Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix with him in Paris, Valkenswaard and New York while also being a key part of Valkenswaard United’s success in the GCL team series. The incredible grey was notable not only for his heart and ability, but also for the fact that he lost an eye in 2018 after an injury forced its removal, and continued jumping and winning at the top of the game. Marcus also retired another of his top stallions, Comme Il Faut 5 (Cornet Obolensky x Ramiro) this year, and another longtime partner Misanto Pret a Tout (Hiram Chambertin x Stew Boy) was honored during CHIO Aachen, where the now 18-year-old gelding won the Aachen Rolex GP in 2018 and the Nations Cup 2016, 2017, AND 2018.

Olympian Pedro Veniss retired his two-time Olympian and longtime partner, the incredible Selle Français stallion Quabri de L’isle (Kannan x Socrate de Chivre), at CHI Geneva. Check out Pedro’s page for more moving tributes to his friend.

 

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And finally, Mclain Ward retired his wonderful grey mare Clinta (Clinton x Lord Pezi) after a year of trying to bring her back from a serious injury.

 

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