Langley’s Tiffany Foster announced the retirement of her longtime riding partner Brighton from international sport on Saturday, June 2.
An official retirement ceremony was held Sunday, June 3, before the CS14* Odlum Brown Grand Prix 1.50m took place that afternoon.
“There will never be another horse like Brighty for me. Anyone who knows him, knows how special he is,” Foster shared online.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: A Florida win along with a podium appearance for Langley’s Tiffany Foster
Foster and Brighton have been competing together for 11 years, and in March this year the pair won the $97,000 Grand Prix, The Estates at TerraNova, in Florida.
The duo led the TerraNova event from beginning to end, posting a wining time of 41.20 seconds at the Florida event.
They have shared 30 international victories and 59 international podiums, including five Grand Prix wins up to the four-star level.
“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 seven years old to allow me the privilege to develop and ride him for so many years.”
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Langley’s Tiffany Foster rides to another victory at Thunderbird Show Park
The 18-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding from Artisan Farms was known for his prowess in speed competitions, but he also represented Canada on two occasions in Nations Cup competitions — jumping in the CS104* Nations Cup at Thunderbird Show Park in 2017.
READ ALSO: Tbird hosting crowd of international riders for BC Open
Sunday’s Grand Prix was a career win for American rider Charlotte Jacobs, riding her own longtime partner Rincoola Milsean with a winning time of 36.21 seconds.
“This is definitely the biggest win I’ve had in my career so far. I’m over the moon,” said Jacobs.
In second was Kaitlin Campbell on Castlefield Cornelious at 37.05 seconds, and Nayel Nassar on Donvier coming third at 39.53 seconds.
Next at tbird is the West Coast Classic for the EC Gold and USEF National competition, which takes place June 26 to 30.
