Multiple Grand Prix Later, 11-Year-Old Stallion Bids Adieu to Current Equestrian Rider

Equestrian has been a sport that has enchanted the world for quite a while now. Horses stand as the central allure of the sport, and they are the ones who make this sport truly captivating. It is the camaraderie that the rider builds with his or her equine partner that becomes the USP of their fellowship and turns out to be the deciding factor during the races. But there is a sad part to this relationship as well, and that is that either the horse has to retire someday or is sold to a new owner for various reasons.

Nevertheless, these horses embark on a journey to find fresh abodes, initiating a new chapter in their lives from a different vantage point and forging a bond with their newfound owners. One such horse, who has had a relationship with its owner for more than a decade, has to separate from its owner. However, the 11-year-old stallion has found a new owner and will be shifted to a new place in the coming days.

The Grand Prix runner finds a new home

As per the reports of Equnews, Sanne Thijssen, who won the 2022 Global Champions Tour in Madrid, Spain, has bid adieu to her longtime equine partner, Hi There. The 11-year-old gelding has been sold to the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation, but his new rider is yet to be decided.

The horse was sired by the son of Nabab de Reve and has been a winner of multiple events. Thijssen and Hi There stood atop the podium in various Grand Prix outings, an extraordinary six times.

The duo clinched a podium position on eleven occasions, crossing the finish line successfully in all but five instances.

This incredible partnership garnered over $1,08,821 in prize money, and the pair won their last race this year in April at the CSI3* 1.45m event in Hagen, T.W. 25-year-old Thijssen took over Hi There from Kevin Jochems when the horse was six years old, and then Thijssen prepared the horse for the highest levels of equestrian competitions.

In their most recent equestrian race, the CSI5* 1.60m Grand Prix in Rotterdam, the duo was placed fifth. Even though the pair has separated, Hi There and his rider have great experience running the Grand Prix events.

Their Career and Statistics

The horse was born on May 6, 2012, and his lineage traces back to his sire, Nabab De Reve, and his dam, Unorette.

In his career, the horse has appeared in 206 starts and has six wins under his belt. He participated in competitions like CSIO5*-NC EUD1, CSIO5*-NC EUD1, CSIO5*-NC EUD1, etc. While his Dutch partner, Sanne Thijssen, is a renowned equestrian participant and currently stands at 111 in the Longines Rankings. In the 3495 starts of her career, Thijssen has won a remarkable 136 races.

Read More: Days After Winning Grade 1 Equestrian Race, Horse Worth $1,826,350 Achieves New Recognition

In the ever-evolving world of equestrian sports, partnerships between riders and their equine companions are not just about competition but also about the profound connections forged. The story of Hi There and Sanne Thijssen reminds us that in the equestrian realm, relationships extend beyond victories, reflecting the heart and soul of this captivating sport.

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