This month it was announced that McLain Ward's long-time partner Rothchild (Artos x Elegant de l'Ile) will be retired from the sport, at the age of 17. The retirement ceremony will take place during the American Gold Cup at Old Salem Farm at the end of September.
Together, Ward and Rothchild won countless of top level competitions all over the world: Aachen, Antwerp, Bridgehampton, Devon, Hickstead, Rome, Spruce Meadows, Toronto, Valkenswaard and Wellington were just some of the many major venues where the chestnut gelding recorded big wins.
In 2014, the pair won team bronze at the World Equestrian Games in Caen and in 2015 the individual gold as well as team bronze at the Pan-Am Games in Toronto.
We have dug deep into our archives and found our best Rothchild pictures, and with this we wish 'Bongo' the happiest of retirements.
All photos (c) Jenny Abrahamsson.