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At the age of 33, Markus Beerbaum’s former success mare Leena (Lord Liberty x Wendekreis, bred by Imke Westermann-Oehmen) has passed away. 

Leena was acquired by Jim and Nancy Clark for Markus Beerbaum back when the mare was six, and with Markus in the saddle she went on to be hugely successful – winning numerous big classes all the way up to the age of 16. In 2007, Markus and Leena placed third in the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Las Vegas – one of the highlights of their long and successful partnership.

At the age of 16, Leena retired from the sport, right after winning the CSI4* Championat der Kröpcke Passage Hannover in 2008.  

“How lucky we were to have you from the age of 6 all the way to 33,” Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum wrote on social media as she announced the sad news. “Although small in stature, you were big in heart! Thank you for all the Grand Prix wins with Markus in the saddle! We will never forget your jump off rounds— you were fast as lightning!!! Rest in peace my friend.” 

At World of Showjumping, our thoughts are with Team Michaels-Beerbaum and all those close to Leena.

22.10.2025 No reproduction of this article, or parts of this article, will be accepted without a written permission, all rights reserved © World of Showjumping.com. If copyright violations occur, a penalty fee will apply.