Earlier this month, Beezie Madden announced the retirement of her long-time partner Simon (Mr. Blue x Polydox).

Owned by Abigail Wexner, the 18-year-old gelding has been Madden's ride on many successful occasions, taking part in three World Cup Finals with the American rider – winning the one in Gothenburg in 2013, then finishing 7th in 2014 and 4th in 2015 – as well as being victorious in major Grand Prix competitions such as the 2015 HITS Million at Saugerties. The two also won the 2015 World Cup in Del Mar, and had several top performances in Nations Cups for USA. The pair did their last international appearance in September this year, before Simon got to enjoy the fields at the Madden's farm in Cazenovia, New York. 

Jeroen Dubbeldam rode Simon before Madden took over the reins at the end of 2011, competing the gelding at the 2011 World Cup Finals where they ended third as well as at the European Championships the same year. 

“I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to be a part of Simon’s career. He is one of those special horses who always tried 100%, or even more, every time he went in the ring. I owe him a huge thank you for all the good times together, and I hope he gets that with his time at home and in the fields at our farm," said Beezie Madden to World of Showjumping. 

And with this, we look back at some of Simon’s career highlights as we wish him a happy retirement!

All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson.