“Bittersweet Feeling”: Equestrian Bids Tearful Farewell to Beloved ‘Longterm Partner’

There is an unspoken language that exists between a jockey and his equine partner. This language is built on absolute trust that can only be developed through years of partnership. However, every good thing reaches its termination point in this transient world. Something of this sort happened on November 25, when a Spanish equestrian bid farewell to his long-term partner. 

Juan Matute Guimon dropped a bombshell before the 2023 CDI-W Madrid began on November 24. He proclaimed that his 17-year-old Hanoverian horse Quantico would no longer take part in any dressage competition. Guimon prefaced this announcement with a heartfelt tribute to the magnificent horse that resonated with everyone. 

Juan Matute Guimon’s heartfelt tribute

FEI Global shared a video of Juan Matute Guimon from their latest performance in Madrid. They used the rider’s words for the caption that said, “… It’s a bittersweet feeling but I’m proud of how far we have come, Quantico and I”.

Thereafter, they revealed the gut-wrenching update that read, “Spanish Rider Juan Matute Guimón, whose “home match” is in Madrid, will bid farewell to his long-term partner Quantico after today’s freestyle. In the interview, he reveals what makes his relationship with Quantico special and how he feels going into the last two competitions”.

During the video interview, Guimon praised Quantico and called him a special horse. 

He reminisced about their journey together and took the equestrian fans back to their World Championship and multiple CDI performances. Quantico has taught his rider to be humble and enjoy the dance together. As these words left his lips, Juan Matute Guimon gathered a strange look of contentment. He assured the equestrian world that a special tribute was in the works that would wonderfully capture the bond between him and Quantico. 

Juan Matute Guimon’s surprise for equestrian fans

The pair debuted their partnership on the international stage in 2014. Since then, Quantico has brought Juan Matute Guimon innumerable accolades, including the bronze medal at the 2018 Spanish Grand Prix Championship.

For their last performance, Quantico had learnt a special freestyle. Guimon’s mother joined forces with a Spanish artist to compose this freestyle hit. Guimon called it a “family project” where all hands were on deck to make the occasion equally special for the equestrian fans. 

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Juan Matute Guimon addressed the equestrian world and revealed the reason for his decision. He said, “He is 17 years old, I could perfectly compete him for one more season, but I prefer to give him rest”. His sentiments regarding Quantico were like a breath of fresh air in a sport where a horse’s well-being comes as a secondary priority. 

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