Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K.
© www.sportfotos-lafrentz.de/Stefan Lafrentz
Judy Reynold’s Vancouver K retires
By Equestrian Life
Judy Reynold’s long time Grand Prix partner, Vancouver K, has been retired at the age of 19.
The gelding, owned by Judy’s parents Joe and Kathleen, is considered to be the greatest horse to represent Ireland on the international dressage stage and has been credited with inspiring a new generation of Irish dressage riders with his record-breaking performances.
Judy and Vancouver K, known as JP, represented Ireland in an Olympic Final, a World Equestrian Games Final, a European Championship Final and three World Cup Finals. That pair are also the current Irish record holders with top scores in the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle.
“I know I’ve always said that JP would decide when it was time to retire but I’ve had to make that decision for him. This horse has more heart than anyone can imagine and at 19 he still tries to give me everything. Too much. I’ve decided that it’s time to stop asking. What a trip it’s been. A good horse can carry you all around the world and back again,” said Judy via social media.
Speaking about JP’s incredible international record, Judy said: “A good record for any horse but a great one for a horse that many thought wasn’t good enough.”
Judy acknowledged that some may wonder why she has chosen to retire her star performer so close to the Olympics, but in the end it all came down to the horse.
“Many people may ask why I’ve waited until now to make this decision but the fact is JP still wants to work and we have given him every chance to be able to perform on the world’s biggest stage one more time but alas it is not to be.
“It has been a massive team effort over the years to allow JP and I to perform, my parents, Patrick, Libby, Johann, farrier Errol, my vets the late Dr Stihl, Dr Hülsey, Dr Beeke, Marcus and Davide and many many more people along the way.”
Equestrian Life wishes JP a happy and well deserved retirement!
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