Text © World of Showjumping

France’s Philippe Rozier has announced that he will be retiring from top level competition after this week’s CSI5*-W Longines Equita Lyon. 

Rozier – a three-time Olympian – was part of the French team that won gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, riding Rahotep de Toscane. In 1994, Rozier also claimed team silver and placed 9th individually at the World Equestrian Games in Den Haag, the Netherlands, riding Baiko Rocco V, and he has two European team silver medals – from 1989 and 1987. During his long and illustrious career, the 62-year-old competed at five FEI Jumping World Cup Finals, placing second on home soil in Paris in 1987 with Malesan Jiva.

“In just under a week, and after more than 40 years at the highest level, I will be competing in my last CSI 5* at @equitalyon_official,” Rozier wrote on social media as he announced the news of his retirement. “It's a carefully thought-out decision, and I'm very happy that it's happening in front of the French public, where it all began and where I've experienced so many highlights. Thanks to horses, and all my people who have always supported me, I have had the incredible opportunity to travel the world, share unique emotions, and experience unforgettable human adventures. Today, I want to leave room for the younger generations, while continuing to climb, pass on and fully live this passion that has motivated me for ever. So I'm not tucking away the saddle but a new page opens, with the same desire and love of horses. Thank you to everyone who has accompanied, supported and encouraged me along this incredible journey.”