Lauren Hough has announced the retirement of her long-time partner Quick Study (Quick Star x What A Joy xx) at the age of 17. With Hough in the saddle, Quick Study won the 2011 five-star Grand Prix in Dublin, the 2010 LGCT Grand Prix in Hamburg and the 2010 Nations Cup in Rotterdam as well as taking home numerous podium finishes in Grand Prix and Nations Cup competitions around the world. The pair also competed at the 2010 World Championships, and the 2008 and 2010 World Cup Finals.
“It is with great pride, and a touch of sadness, that I am announcing the retirement of my partner of 10 years, Quick Study, better known to his friends as Joey,” Hough states on her website. “We have had a remarkable journey together and have had the opportunity to compete all over the world and represent our country at many prestigious events and championships along the way.”
A few of Hough’s favorite highlight from Joey’s career with her include winning the Grand Prix of Hamburg in 2010 and the Grand Prix of Dublin in 2011. “One of my most memorable Nations Cup wins was on Joey at Rotterdam in 2010,” reads the statement on Hough's website. “It was an all-women team, and we won on zero faults! The accolades and wins mean a lot to me, but the relationship and bond that we created along the way are what I'm proudest of, and his character and quirkiness are traits I’ll always remember.”
Quick Study will continue to stay in Hough’s care and will live out his years at Aston Farm, Hough’s base in England from April to November.
Source: laurenhough.com // Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson