Maikel van der Vleuten has announced the retirement of his top horse Verdi TN (Quidam de Revel x Landgraf I). 

On his Instagram profile, Maikel van der Vleuten writes: 

"I’m proud to announce the retirement of Verdi. After 15 wonderful years of working together with this unique horse, and after 10 fantastic years at Grand Prix level. 

I think at an age of 18 years it’s time for a well-deserved retirement from the top sport, and continue his successful career as a breeding stallion.

His farewell from the sport will take place at the Dutch masters on Sunday the 15th of March before the Rolex Grand Prix.

Verdi, thanks for all the fantastic years that I have had with you! You made me the rider I’m now.., thanks!"

Together, Verdi and Maikel van der Vleuten were part of the Dutch teams that took gold at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen and silver at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. They were part of the Dutch teams that won gold at the 2015 European Championships in Rotterdam, and that took the victory in the 2014 Longines FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona. They jumped at five World Cup Finals, and four times they were in the top ten. The pair also has five-star Grand Prix victories from Madrid, Lyon and Al Ain to look back at as well as topping the World Cup in Verona. They also contributed to several Nations Cups wins for the Dutch team – to mention some of their countless successes. 

Verdi has already proven himself as a sire, and has several offspring jumping at international Grand Prix level.

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