Jos Verlooy’s nice showjumping associate Igor bows out

Belgian showjumper Jos Verlooy’s super associate Igor, with whom he competed efficiently on the highest degree, together with successful a brace of championship medals, has been retired on the age of 16.

The charismatic Igor (Emerald x Nabab De Reve) has thrilled the crowds with Jos Verlooy over the previous seven years. Asserting the highly effective chestnut’s retirement, Jos and his Eurohorse Verlooy stables thanked their beloved Igor for his “ardour, energy and unwavering coronary heart”.

“Right now with full hearts, we mirror on the unimaginable journey of Igor – a real champion, who introduced us unforgettable recollections and excellent victories,” they stated.

Belgian warmblood Igor was bred in Belgium by Maarten Van Waes and got here to the EuroHorse stables as a considerably difficult five-year-old. He was produced via his early years by Diarmuid Howley, Phillip Lever and Mike Van Olst, earlier than Jos took the reins in 2016 when Igor was eight.

Jos Verlooy (BEL) using Igor within the 2019 European Championships

Jos Verlooy on Igor: “A well-deserved retirement”

The brand new partnership stepped as much as five-star degree the next yr and shortly began successful a number of the largest competitions all over the world, reigning as one of many best duos within the sport. Their forte was their consistency at leaping spectacular clear rounds, significantly in Nations Cup group competitions, and they’ll for ever be remembered for his or her passionate performances, the place Igor all the time appeared in a position to clear the hardest tracks with ease.

The pair represented Belgium at three championships, the 2018 World Equestrian Video games in Tryon and the 2022 World Championships in Herning, however maybe their crowning achievement got here on the 2019 European Showjumping Championships in Rotterdam once they gained group gold and particular person bronze.

Jos Verlooy and Igor have been chosen for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 however Igor was dominated out on the eleventh hour owing to damage.

Igor was topped as Belgian horse of the yr in 2019.

“From breathtaking clears to podium finishes, Igor has left an indelible mark on our hearts and within the historical past of EuroHorse,” stated Jos. “As he steps right into a well-deserved retirement, we glance again on each second with gratitude and satisfaction.”

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H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her function as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her all over the world reporting from reveals and interviewing riders, connections and people concerned behind the scenes. Since becoming a member of H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on each topic throughout the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to steady administration — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She additionally has first-hand expertise of working within the equestrian trade as a using teacher and yard supervisor.