Con Dios III (Colman) has not appeared in competition since the CSIO 5* in La Baule last June. This is because at the age of seventeen, René Lopez's horse withdrew from competition and after seven years at the side of his rider, he has already left for his retirement at his groom's stable!
"He arrived home a few days ago. I knew he would retire one day and I wanted to retire at the same time as him. I told René that I would take him with me when the time came. He discussed it with Bertrand and Martine Darier, the owners of Con Dios, and they agreed. I am extremely grateful for the trust they have placed in me over the years and for the years to come," Adeline Amary told Studforlife magazine.
Since his arrival, she can always keep an eye on her favorite four-legged friend: "I can see him from my house! Everything is here to make him happy: lots of grass, friends, a big box and walking paths in the Vosges forests. I take him outside in the morning and bring him back in the evening. Adeline had only one wish: to offer him the retirement he deserves. "It was with him that I learned the profession of being a groom, flying in a plane with horses, traveled all over the world and had the opportunity to participate in the Olympics. I have become attached to this little horse with such a special character!"
The gelding began his international career under the Swiss flag, first with Kevin Melliger, then with Pius Schwizer and then under Martin Fuchs. With Martin Fuchs the Holsteiner went straight to the top level, but it was with René Lopez that he continued his career. In 2015, Con Dios III arrived at the stables of the Colombian in eastern France. With him he competed at the Olympic Games in Rio and the Nations Cup final in Barcelona one year later. They finished seventh in the legendary Grand Prix of La Baule before winning the CSI 3* in Bethune in 2017. "A new life begins for him," said René Lopez.
Source: Studforlife