Last week Maikel van der Vleuten announced that his super mare VDL Groep Sapphire (Mr. Blue x Grand Veneur) will be retired from the sport. The mare won countless classes during her career, and it has almost been a miracle as she has gone through two big operations but coming back even better than before – winning the 2013 and 2014 Grand Prix in Maastricht as well as the 2013 World Cup at Olympia. Describing Sapphire, Maikel told World of Showjumping; "Sapphire is an unbelievable fighter!” Now the 16 year old mare gets to enjoy the field, and hopefully produce some lovely foals. We wish Sapphire a happy retirement! All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson.