Richard Spooner's long-time partner Cristallo (Caretino x Cicero) will be retired from the sport.

The now 20-year-old Holsteiner gelding has been with Spooner since he was 6-years-old, and was for years one of the most successful horses on the international circuit. With Spooner in the saddle, Cristallo competed at several World Cup Finals and won the five-star Grand Prix of Monte Carlo in 2013 and in 2009, the three-star Grand Prix in Wellington in 2012, the World Cup in Lexington as well as the World Cup at Langley in 2011 in addition to recording numerous wins in major five-star classes at locations around the world such as Spruce Meadows, Geneva, La Coruna and Rome.

On his Facebook page, Spooner writes: "We have decided to retire Cristallo. At 20 yrs old he is still the wildest horse I have. He is strong and sound. He can now spend his days with 30 year old Robinson and the goat. I sure will miss showing him. What an amazing animal."

Cristallo will be enjoying his retirement days at Spooner family's farm in California. 

Source: Richard Spooner's Facebook page and The Chronicle of the Horse // Picture Jenny © Abrahamsson