Harrie Smolders has announced the competitive retirement of Darry Lou (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve x Nabab de Rêve). "Ready for your new chapter and to pass on your qualities to the next generation!"
Smolders and the 16-year-old KWPN stallion, bred by Roelof Bril, last competed internationally in September during the CSIO5 in Spruce Meadows. Earlier this year, the pair placed seventh in the CSI5 LGCT of Valkenswaard and won the 1.45m CSI4* of Valkenswaard. They also made their mark on the podium in Arezzo.**
Darry Lou has cemented his place in the history of show jumping and achieved legendary status with an impressive list of victories in the world's largest and most prestigious arenas. He was even named USEF International Horse of the Year in 2019. What makes his story even more remarkable? He achieved these triumphs with not one, but three different riders!
Under Beezie Madden, Darry Lou won the $133.700 Tourmaline Oil Cup at the Spruce Meadows Masters in Calgary in 2019, claimed victory in the $3 million CN International Rolex Grand Prix in Spruce Meadows, and finished sixth in the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen. In 2021, he was sold to Jennifer Gates/Evergate Stables LLC and returned to Spruce Meadows to triumph in the CSIO5* 1,55m CANA Cup, this time under Nayel Nassar.
Harrie Smolders announced the news on his social media. "Our last dance... it was a privilege to be one of Darry Lou's riders," says Smolders. "Darry Lou was a super horse to ride. He always thought along with the rider! I will always remember his enthusiasm during the walk. Nothing made him happier!"
Responding to a report by a Dutch media outlet that Smolders and Evergate Stables would be ending their partnership, Evergate Stables told our editorial staff that this is not true. "Monaco will remain under Harrie's saddle and also Devino, an eight-year-old up-and-coming talent, will stay in Harrie's stable," the Gates' stable reports!
Praise from Nayel Nassar
“It has been a great pleasure and honor to ride Darry Lou, despite our relatively short partnership. He has a remarkable personality, filled with calm confidence and an unflappable attitude, regardless of the challenge. His unique mindset, coupled with his athletic ability, has enabled him to shine on some of the world’s biggest stages. I look forward to seeing him flourish in this next chapter of his career and have no doubt that he will continue to make us proud by passing on his exceptional genetics to future generations,” said Nayel Nassar.
Smolders and the 16-year-old KWPN stallion, bred by Roelof Bril, last competed internationally in September during the CSIO5 in Spruce Meadows. Earlier this year, the pair placed seventh in the CSI5 LGCT of Valkenswaard and won the 1.45m CSI4* of Valkenswaard. They also made their mark on the podium in Arezzo.**
Darry Lou has cemented his place in the history of show jumping and achieved legendary status with an impressive list of victories in the world's largest and most prestigious arenas. He was even named USEF International Horse of the Year in 2019. What makes his story even more remarkable? He achieved these triumphs with not one, but three different riders!
Under Beezie Madden, Darry Lou won the $133.700 Tourmaline Oil Cup at the Spruce Meadows Masters in Calgary in 2019, claimed victory in the $3 million CN International Rolex Grand Prix in Spruce Meadows, and finished sixth in the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen. In 2021, he was sold to Jennifer Gates/Evergate Stables LLC and returned to Spruce Meadows to triumph in the CSIO5* 1,55m CANA Cup, this time under Nayel Nassar.
Harrie Smolders announced the news on his social media. "Our last dance... it was a privilege to be one of Darry Lou's riders," says Smolders. "Darry Lou was a super horse to ride. He always thought along with the rider! I will always remember his enthusiasm during the walk. Nothing made him happier!"
Responding to a report by a Dutch media outlet that Smolders and Evergate Stables would be ending their partnership, Evergate Stables told our editorial staff that this is not true. "Monaco will remain under Harrie's saddle and also Devino, an eight-year-old up-and-coming talent, will stay in Harrie's stable," the Gates' stable reports!
Praise from Nayel Nassar
“It has been a great pleasure and honor to ride Darry Lou, despite our relatively short partnership. He has a remarkable personality, filled with calm confidence and an unflappable attitude, regardless of the challenge. His unique mindset, coupled with his athletic ability, has enabled him to shine on some of the world’s biggest stages. I look forward to seeing him flourish in this next chapter of his career and have no doubt that he will continue to make us proud by passing on his exceptional genetics to future generations,” said Nayel Nassar.