Catherine Tyree has announced the retirement of her now 16-year-old gelding Bokai (Up To Date x Ferro, bred by D. Tump). With Tyree in the saddle, Bokai jumped to victories in Dinard, Old Salem, Tryon, Toronto, Washington and Wellington – to mention some of their many podium finishes. 

On her official Instagram account, Tyree wrote: "After 6.5 years of unwavering loyalty, the only words that come to mind are thank you, and yet that doesn't seem like enough. Thank you for turning my wildest dreams into a reality. From US Nations Cup team members at Hickstead, Falsterbo, Wellington, and Thunderbird, to wins and top placings quite literally around the world... I will forever be indebted to you for what you gave me. Thank you for giving your all and fighting for me each and every time we were in the ring. Thank you for keeping me on my toes with your cheeky behavior that often made me cry from laughing so hard. And quite simply, thank you for being you. There is only one Bokai, and I am so lucky that you are mine. Retiring you happy, sound, and healthy was something I always promised you and I am so happy I can give that to you. It's the least I can do. I love you." 

Prior to Tyree, Bokai competed successfully on five-star level with Dutch rider Harrie Smolders as well as with Norway's Victoria Gulliksen. With Gulliksen in the saddle, Bokai took part at the 2015 FEI European Championships in Aachen, Germany. 

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