McLain Ward (USA) has announced the sportive retirement of his 'once-in-a-lifetime' horse, HH Azur. The 17-year-old sBs-mare by Thunder vd Zuuthoeve took 186 international starts and claimed 25 wins!
The Belgian bred mare recently won the Rolex Grand Prix in Den Bosch as well as Geneva. Today in Aachen, Ward decided the time has come to retire the mare from the sport after having jumped countless results together.
Mclain Writes the following:
Dear Annie,
I knew this day would come but somehow you always were able to reach deep inside and achieve greatness time and time again. We all know there comes a time when your mind and body disagree but it is still hard to let go. You have given all of us so much but it’s time to say goodbye to our sport and retire in good health.
You are the very definition of a queen. It was a privilege to have been the one to ride on your wings, to be your partner and to be part of your life.
McLain
- Special thank you to Lee, Erica, Virginie, Kirstie, The Mathy family, The Harrison family and all of our incredible team.
- I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in Annie and my journey. Without each and every one of you the story we’ve written would not have been possible. I’m forever grateful for your contributions and I have no doubt Annie has touched your life in a positive way as she has everyone’s.
Happy retirement my Queen 
The Belgian bred mare recently won the Rolex Grand Prix in Den Bosch as well as Geneva. Today in Aachen, Ward decided the time has come to retire the mare from the sport after having jumped countless results together.
Mclain Writes the following:
Dear Annie,
I knew this day would come but somehow you always were able to reach deep inside and achieve greatness time and time again. We all know there comes a time when your mind and body disagree but it is still hard to let go. You have given all of us so much but it’s time to say goodbye to our sport and retire in good health.
You are the very definition of a queen. It was a privilege to have been the one to ride on your wings, to be your partner and to be part of your life.
McLain
- Special thank you to Lee, Erica, Virginie, Kirstie, The Mathy family, The Harrison family and all of our incredible team.
- I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in Annie and my journey. Without each and every one of you the story we’ve written would not have been possible. I’m forever grateful for your contributions and I have no doubt Annie has touched your life in a positive way as she has everyone’s.
Happy retirement my Queen