Olivier Philippaerts’ H&M Legend of Love (Landzauber x Corgraf) will be retired from the sport after the 2024-edition of CSI5*-W Jumping Mechelen. The charming mare will make her final international appearance in Sunday's CSI5*-W 1.55m Grand Prix, Philippaerts shared on social media on Saturday. 

For years, the now 18-year-old mare and Philippaerts have been one of the most popular combinations on the international showjumping circuit. The pair ranked fifth in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Gothenburg in 2019, as well as in Paris in 2018, and they have had lots of success on five-star level together. 

For Olivier himself, the most memorable achievements include a victory in the five-star Grand Prix of Mechelen in 2015 and placing second in the Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva a year later – as he told WoSJ in 2020 when Legend of Love was featured in our 'From youngster to international Grand Prix horse'-series.

During their time together, the pair was also on podiums in five-star classes in Basel, Berlin, Cannes, Gothenburg, Den Bosch, Lyon, Knokke, Paris, Shanghai, Treffen and Valkenswaard – just to mention a few of their many significant top results. 

Philippaerts announced the news on social media, writing: Legend, For the last 10 years you were the horse that meant everything to me. We travelled around the world, competed in the biggest competitions, against the best of the best. We proved that you were one of the best horses from your generation. You have a unique but incredible character. I feel extremely lucky to have been a part of your journey. There are so many people that were a part of Legend’s career, I send a big thank you to everybody who has been involved! Mechelen, In 2015 you won your first GP at Jumping Mechelen. This Sunday, Grand Prix sport vlaanderen will be your last competition. I hope everybody will be there to cheer you on just one last time. Thank you Legend, you are truly one of a kind."

At World of Showjumping, we wish Legend a very happy retirement!