Tiffany Foster's long-time partner Brighton (Contendro II x Quick Star), owned by Artisan Farms, has been retired from the sport. The now 18-year-old gelding has been hugely successful with Foster, taking countless of international wins during his long and remarkeable career – the pair's last victory together came in the CSI2* Grand Prix in Myakka City, USA, back in March.
On Sunday afternoon, Brighton was honoured with a retirement ceremony at Thunderbird Show Park before he will be heading to Belgium to spend his retirement days at Artisan Farms' European base.
"I had somehow thought this day would never come, but it’s time for my darling Brighty to retire from the sport," Foster wrote on social media. "We have been together for 11 wonderful years, 31 international victories, 56 international podiums, multiple national Grand Prix victories, clear rounds in Nations Cups, and 100s of miles on the road. There will never be another horse like Brighty for me. Anyone who knows him knows how special he is. He is the smartest horse I’ve ever ridden and the most fierce competitor. He taught me how to win and I will be forever grateful that Andy and Carlene Ziegler decided to buy him when he was 7 years old to allow me the privilege to develop and ride him for so many years. Thank you to all the people who had a role in his career: his breeder Ed Santing, @kajsalucia @teaghanjames @heidiniskanen@eduardofelix8052 @lucas_luz @dennisdijkerman@gilbertderoock @ericlamaze #pierrerenault @trakehner1@shirrauys @jerome_caron @kaytlynbrown1 @maxmanzardo(who might love him even more than I do!) but most importantly @carolineholmberg1 who has been with him for his whole career. Please join us for a celebratory ceremony before the 4* Grand Prix tomorrow afternoon @thunderbirdshowpark where we will send him off in style to live out his days at Artisan Farms in Belgium! Forever and always #TGFB"
At World of Showjumping, we wish Brighton the happiest of retirements! #TGFB