Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line compete in the Tokyo Olympics. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Some retirement news to start your Saturday as Austrian Olympian Lea Siegl has announced the stepping down of her two-time Olympic horse, DSP Fighting Line.
“We started with national tournaments in Austria and worked our way up to the Olympic Games, World Championships and European Championships,” Lea told the Austrian equestrian agency Equestrian Worldwide. “It wasn’t always easy. Those who have known us from the beginning will probably know this too – not everyone always believed in it and very few could have imagined that things would work out so well for the two of us and that we would get this far. Fighty is a special horse and it was very difficult to gain his trust because he is fundamentally a bit skeptical. Patience and giving him time paid off. He definitely taught me that you can have dreams and that you should work on them and never stop believing. And that many things are possible that initially seem impossible. All the best, dear “Fighty”! Here’s to many wonderful years and always lush pastures in your well-deserved retirement!”
Throughout his career, “Fighty” has achieved 11 international victories and claimed 14 top-5 placings. He competed in the Paris Olympics in 2024, and he and Lea finished 15th individually. They also competed for Austria at the 2022 FEI World Championships for Eventing in Italy, finishing 25th individually and 15th as a team.
We’re wishing Fighty all the best in his retirement!
U.S. Weekend Events
Waredaca Farm H.T. (MC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Caber Farm H.T. (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]
The Event at Archer (WY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T. (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Ocala Summer H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Full Gallop Farm August H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]
Major International Events
Bromont CCI-S H.T. (Canada): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Arville CCIO4*-S: [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Live Stream] [About the FEI Eventing Nations Cup]
Links & Reading
Teach Your Young Horse to Pick Up His Feet Over Fences
Learn How To Manage Your Distracted Horse
Mental Prep and Mindful Practice for Better Dressage
Excitement for British rider who follows in parents’ footsteps to represent Australia
Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands
One big green flag when it comes to selecting the right equipment for you and your horse is longevity. No one wants to replace an expensive piece of tack every year when the product wears down quickly. Lucky for us, we have quality brands like Vespucci right at our fingertips over on World Equestrian Brands, and trust us when we say we’ve used Vespucci on our own horses here at EN and have thoroughly appreciated how long these quality pieces last! Shop for your Vespucci and other essentials here.
Video Break
Sally Spickard will be sitting down with Mongol Derby co-winner Michael Pollard for an episode coming out August 26, but before that you can hear Michael on The Jon and Rick Show next week! Here’s a sneak peek:
