The Dutch youth rider, Joep Schaap, has announced the competitive retirement of his horse, Abbervail Diamant. Schaap formed a duo for about three years with the 17-year-old offspring of Diamant de Semilly. "You were my buddy, and together we achieved great things..."
Schaap and the 17-year-old gelding racked up 17 international victories together. Furthermore, they reached the international podium 24 times. Highlights included a third-place finish in the Grand Prix of Lichtenvoorde, bronze in the Nations Cup for Children, and silver in the Nations Cup of Busto Arsizio. Additionally, a Grand Prix victory in Opglabbeek, three overall wins in Lier, and a victory in Leeuwarden stand out on their track record.
The son of Diamant de Semilly was bred by Robert Verburgt and was trained internationally by Claudia Verburgt. Afterward, Bart Lips was also in the saddle before Joep Schaap took over the reins.
