Darragh Kenny has announced the retirement of the 15-year-old mare Babalou 41 (Balou du Rouet x Silvio I). “Wishing this mare a very happy retirement! You were an incredible horse for my career and picked the biggest show of the year to shine in the Grand Prix, thank you for everything it was a great ride! Hopefully I will get to jump some of your babies in the future,” Kenny writes on his Instagram account.

The Irish rider took over the reins on Jack Snyder's chestnut mare from Todd Minikus. Together, Kenny and Babalou won the CSI3* Grand Prix in Kentucky in 2018 and in 2019. The pair's biggest achievements include finishing fourth in the CSIO5* Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen in 2018, and fifth in 2019. 

Babalou also had lots of success with Minikus in the saddle. The pair won the CSI3* Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier at Live Oak International in 2017, the CSI4* Grand Prix in Wellington in 2017 and the CSIO4* Grand Prix in Wellington in 2015 – to mention some. 

At World of Showjumping, we wish Babalou a happy retirement!