News

Sapphire retired

May 15, 2012

Yesterday it became official that McLain Ward's fantastic mare Sapphire is being retired. The 17 year old chestnut BWP mare by Darco and McLain have two Olympic team gold medals to look back on and a team silver from the 2006 World Equestrian Games. The combination also won the famous Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows in 2009 as well as having several other great victories together.

Sapphire was injured right before the Grand Prix in Wellington in March last year as she suffered a strained check ligament in her right front leg. Only a couple of weeks before, McLain and Sapphire were a part of the American winning team at the Nations Cup in Wellington.

McLain stated yesterday that; “Now that the news has broke of Sara’s retirement, I want to a take this opportunity to thank you all for your wonderful comments, many of which have made me teary eyed. While it is the end of her incredible career, I refuse to be sad. Sara is retiring healthy, happy and at her best."

Source World of Showjumping