Tia's retirement

[shanzee]

At the weekend we made the decision to retire Tia from the show ring after 5 wonderful years on the circuit. Having discovered the delights of Trec and cross country this summer she was starting to find showing a bit boring. I didn't want her to become one of those horse robots in the ring, going through the motions but not really enjoying it, like so many show horses you see.

We bowed out in style at the Festival where she looked and went better than she has for a long time. She won two championships, two overall section championships, was reserve champion in two other sections, and got into the Supreme of Day final twice over the 3 weekends.

On Saturday night in the Supreme Championship, the lovely lady commentator announced her retirement for us, and did a little speech about her. The crowds watching were very appreciative of her, and it made us feel very special, and very proud of our little mare. It was a bit sad because it's the end of an era for us, but next year we will be doing more fun stuff like Trec, jumping and driving, all the things that Tia loves doing.

[Carrie+Morgan]

Oh how bitter sweet for you, but I am sure you will have many more adventures in your new pursuits!!

She looks amazing by the way :D

[diplomaticandtactful]

i think it is so nice to go out when she is at the top of her game rather than ask too often.

showing is hard work, they spend hours at hit and it must get very tiring and boring after a bit having to constantly try to do their best.

so well done you for saying enough when she did her very best for you.

[shanzee]

Thank you for your comments - people were telling me I was mad for retiring her last weekend at the show, but I know the time is right for her. There's so many other things she can achieve yet, and have fun at the same time.:)

[greymare]

Well done to you for making a hard decision. I am sure she will appreciate it.

That was a lovely gesture by the judge :D

Hope you have many happy days out to come. Trec allows for so much more mischieve :p

Jen
x

[shanzee]

I have just got some of the photos back - thought I would share them with you :)

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr72/themoose_album/Tiaheadoct09.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr72/themoose_album/champheadshot.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr72/themoose_album/inhandchamp.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr72/themoose_album/ihloh.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr72/themoose_album/runningmummyover.jpg

[tbaynancy]

Thanks for sharing the photos - what a beautiful mare!

[FayeObs]

I responded on TO and i wondered why it was her last time!

Credit to you ! xx

[Mimi + Me]

What a stunning horse and look at the coat on her, I'm sure if you stand close you would be able to see your reflection!

And as said above, it's nice to go out when you're on top (not that I'd ever know about that :o:o).

I'm sure she'll enjoy her new 'career move', Trec sounds great fun, wouldn't mind a go at it myself. And hopefully not quite so high maintenance, as I'm sure she doesn't look so fantastic without a lot of hard work on your part :p

[bitsnpieces]

She is one stunner!!!!! I think it's a fab thing you've done letting her find her way to other activities, some people refuse to let their horses do anything else.

[pauline w]

what a lovely end to her showing career. She's just so beautiful. Keep us informed on how she's getting on in her Trec, cross country and driving retirement.