Day 2 of the stallion show – MAGNIFICENT

Adel retires

We just got back from the Friday evening event. It was AWESOME. There were dressage exhibitions, marathon driving, the history of the Friesian horse, pas de deux, even a little foal with a puppet strapped astride it (yes, that is correct!). I have loads of video but I will have to process it when I get back to a big computer.

Of all the incredible events, the one that stuck out to me was the retirement ceremony for the stallion Adel 357. Adel was approved to breed but was disapproved on offspring (too much white) a few years ago. Nevertheless, it is thanks to Adel and his prowess in dressage that Friesians started being noticed at all as a riding horse. Adel was an incredible ambassador of the breed, competing effectively at the very highest levels.

Last year he became ill with an infected spine and quit competing. Showing his true fighting spirit though, he came back and competed once more. Tonight he was permanently retired, at age 17. He has two sons who excel at dressage and they came out with him. One son, Cas, will most likely be approved as a breeding stallion in 2009 (he only has to do the short test since he is already a dressage master).

Peter Spahn, Adel’s rider, did a short routine with Adel tonight. Then they brought out his two sons and presented Adel with a basket of apples, carrots and sugar cubes. The crowd gave him a standing ovation and I do not think I was the only one with tears.

Thank you Adel. All of us who love Friesian horses owe part of that love to you.

Here is a video of Adel’s final routine. Wen I get back I will try to lighten it up.