After a long and successful career under Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Cameron Hanley (IRL), Southwind VDL (Baloubet du Rouet x Ahorn) has been retired from the international sport. 

The now 17-year-old gelding was given a big party this weekend, where his achievements in the sport were celebrated. 

With Hanley in the saddle, Southwind VDL was on several podiums in Nations Cups and Grand Prix competitions from 2008 until 2011 when Foster took over the reins. With Southwind VDL, Foster made her debut at the highest level of the sport jumping her first 1.60m competition with the gelding. The two went on to become a very successful combination, jumping Nations Cups and World Cups for Canada.

On her official Instagram account, Foster writes: 

"From my very first 1.60 class and first Nations Cup to triple clear in the QE2 Cup five years later, this horse has been the most dependable soldier one could ever hope for. Always there when I called on him, always there to make me feel like I knew what I was doing (even when I didn't). I can't imagine a more stalwart guide than this kind, loving, honest and brave soul. To Andy and Carlene, thank you for changing my life when you bought him for me to ride, to Eric thank you for training me on him, to Gilbert thank you for finding him for us, to Alison for loving him more than anyone, to Eduardo and Pierre thank you for keeping him healthy and to Caro, Teaghan, Kaytlyn, Kajsa, Heidi, Louise and Pico for taking immaculate care of him over the years. I know he touched many lives while he was with us at Artisan Farms and I'm happy to say he will be returning to his other loving family at White Heart Farm with the Hanleys to finish his career doing what he does best - helping Finn and Niamh start their adventures in show jumping. Finally, to Southwind - I can't thank you enough for what you have done for me and I hope I am repaying that service by letting you live out your days surrounded by love. Thank you BOY!"

We wish Soutwind VDL a happy retirement from the international rings!

Text © World of Showjumping // Picture © private