Tim Price Announces Retirement of Wesko at Age of 18

Tim Price and Wesko. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Windrush Equestrian Foundation, and Tim Price, are sad to announce the retirement of their beloved Wesko, from top level competition. The 18-year-old CCI5* Champion was being prepared for the delayed Tokyo Olympics but has sadly sustained a minor injury during his meticulous early season preparations.

Tim Price paid tribute to his “best mate”:

“It was going to be a bit of a push for an 18-year-old to make the final four at the Olympics later this year and sadly is just wasn’t mean to be. We have had so much fun together, so I have a lot to be thankful for. Above all he’s my mate and that isn’t about to change.”

“Dash” will remain with Tim Price for his retirement and be allowed to embrace his ‘inner pony’: “Dash will finally be allowed to let his inner pony out, getting fluffy, fat and happy, and winning people over with his friendly charm.”

Wesko has had a glittering career partnered with Tim, amassing 1356 British Eventing points and six international wins, including the CCI5* at Luhmuhlen 2014. Looking back across the past decade to his first British Eventing season in 2011 where he recorded his first international win at Brand Hall and failed to finish outside of the top three across the season. From there on there were wins at Blair Castle CCI4*L (2013), Tattersalls CCI4*L (2014), Arville ERM CCI4*S (2019) and Lignieres CCI3*L (2019), in addition to two CCI5* third place finishes at Les Etoiles de Pau (2015 & 2020).

“After his injury in 2016, Wesko’s return to eventing began not long after his owner, Christina Knudsen passed away suddenly and all too soon. He has since proudly competed under the ownership of the Windrush Equestrian Foundation – formed in Christina’s memory to help nurture young equestrian talent. I am proud to be an ambassador for this great cause and am excited to see the Foundation’s positive impact on young athletes.”

Windrush Equestrian Foundation CEO, Mariachiara Apruzzese said:

“We are truly grateful to Tim for his continued love and partnership with Wesko. Together they have helped fulfil some of Christina’s dreams and ambitions. As much as we’re all sad that Wesko hasn’t been able to make the Olympics his final triumph we’re all so happy that he is finishing his wonderful career fit, happy and healthy and will continue to live out his retirement with his best friend – Tim. We’re also extremely grateful to have Tim continue as an ambassador for the Windrush Foundation.”

The Windrush Equestrian Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in memory of Christina Knudsen and her passion for the sport of Eventing. The aim of the foundation is to bring education and training to talented young event riders to support their futures, with the welfare of the horse and rider at the heart of the program.

The Foundation’s riders receive mentoring and in-depth training from one of the world’s most decorated eventing riders, Pippa Funnell, along with former Team GBR World Class Performance Manager, Yogi Breisner. The programme also includes a 360-degree education programme in partnership with A Young Riders Academy.

Please enjoy a few of our favorite Wesko shots through the years: