Lyndal Oatley and Eros. Image: Lukasz Kowalski.
Lyndal Oatley announces retirement of World Championship horse
By Equestrian Life
Australian dressage rider Lyndal Oatley has announced the retirement of Eros, the horse she partnered with at the 2022 FEI World Championships in Herning, Denmark.
A 14-year-old KWPN gelding by Sir Oldenburg out of Selva (Olympic Ferro), Eros was a star in the international dressage arena, scoring as high as 74.37% in the Grand Prix, 71.277% in the Special, and 77.57% in the Freestyle – the latter at Lier CDI3* in Belgium where the pair claimed an impressive victory. At the World Championships last year, Lyndal and Eros were 25th in the world in the Grand Prix.
Earlier this week, Lyndal announced that her little grey unicorn has now retired from competition.
“After Herning we searched and searched to find out what caused you intermittent unevenness. It wasn’t until 6 months later and every test known to man, we found you had a broken rib caused by a truck accident. We tried all available treatments and searched the world for possible options but sadly they did not work and so you are now having the retirement you deserved!” said Lyndal in an Instagram tribute to the stunning grey.
“To this day I am still in awe of your spirit Uncle Ross and the impact you had on people who had and hadn’t met you.
“I fell in love with your infectious personality from day one when you entered my life to help me come back into the sport after having our daughter Emilia! You went above and beyond from day one and we had the best journey full of laughter and fun.
“We had international wins, you carried me to the [FEI World Championships] in Herning and you fought for me like the big-hearted unicorn you are, whilst still keeping your cheeky mentality and ability to nick off at a moment’s notice, which I love about you.
“You were always you… and I think people fell in love with you a little more, little grey unicorn. Thank you to all that have been on this journey with Rossi and I, but especially thanks Ross for being you.”
Eros was a cover star for Equestrian Life’s December 2021 magazine.
Happy retirement Eros, and thank you for being a wonderful equine ambassador for Australia on the world stage!
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