The 16-year-old Flip's Little Sparrow (Cardento 933 x Robin Z) – a daughter of Malin Baryard-Johnsson's success mare Butterfly Flip – has been retired from the sport. 

Flip's Little Sparrow has had a long and successful career, with both Stephanie Holmén and Peder Fredricson. Holmén took over the reins on Flip's Little Sparrow in 2017, after her compatriot and employer Peder Fredricson had been competing the mare. With Holmén, Flip's Little Sparrow won the CSI5*-W World Cup in Zürich, back in 2016, as well as international Grand Prix classes in Ciekocinko, Opglabbeek and Roeser. In October this year, the two were part of the Swedish team at the CSIO5* Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, where the Swedes finished second in the Challenge Cup, and in their final international appearance at CSI4* Sweden International Horse Show in November the two won a 1.50m class – going out with a bang. 

On her official Instagram account, Holmén wrote: "Sparven. Thank you for taking me around the world for 5 years. Thank you for always wanting to do your best. Thank you for being the highlight every day, at home and at the competition. You will be missed, the most beautiful both inside and out. Think that it was I who got to be your rider and that we became such a match. Thanks for everything. #speffi" 

At World of Showjumping, we wish Sparven a very happy retirement!