Text © World of Showjumping

“Thank you Figgy. I am honoured to have been your rider,” Tiffany Foster wrote on social media as she announced the retirement of her 15-year-old gelding Figor (VDL Groep Zagreb x VDL Indoctro) on Monday.

With Figor, Foster won team silver at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. The two – who made their first international appearance together in 2017 – also represented Canada at the 2022 World Championships in Herning, Denmark, as well as at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. 

“It is time to announce the retirement of my longtime partner Figor,” Foster shared on Instagram. “After sustaining an injury after his last competition, his owners @artisanfarms and I have made the decision to call an end to his sporting career. Figgy was my partner for three major championships (2022 World Championships, 2023 Pan American Games and 2024 Olympic Games). He was also my partner for my first World Cup win, an unforgettable 2nd place finish at the 2023 Spruce Meadows Masters Rolex Grand Slam Grand Prix and multiple double clear performances representing Team Canada in Nations Cup competitions. The overwhelming feeling I have when I think about my time with Figgy is gratitude. Gratitude for a horse that I always knew could do anything I asked of him and always gave everything he had. I’m grateful to his owners Andy and @carleneziegler who bought him as a seven year old for me, who always believed in him and who always made sure he had the best care possible. I’m grateful to his vet @eduardofelix8052 for working tirelessly and always showing up to make sure he was feeling his best. I’m grateful to his farrier Pierre Renault who has never missed a shoeing in 8 years. I’m grateful to @maxmanzardo for keeping him fit over the years putting up with his Tuesday rides (those could be exciting). But the person I’m the most grateful to is his groom @carolineholmberg1 whose love and impeccable care is the main reason we were able to achieve the success we achieved. Not seeing him every day will be very hard for us but we are happy that he won his last ever class and that we know he’s going to love life living in a pasture because turnout is his favourite thing in the whole world. Thank you Figgy. I am honoured to have been your rider.” 

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