Ruth Edge and Two Thyme during cross country of the Badminton Horse Trials 2011. (photo by Nico Morgan)
- (With loads of thanks to the amazing Nico Morgan for the picture)
- Ruth Edge announced this morning that after a long consideration, she will be retiring her partner Two Thyme. She says that after Tattersalls, she felt that his age (18) was finally getting to him, and he just isn’t quite as comfortable competing at the highest levels as he used to be. Ruth believes he will be happiest with a nice retirement in a big field and occasional riding. Two Thyme was instrumental in Ruth’s career, with a win at Luhmühlen in 2007 and twice winner of the British Open Championships.
From the Horse & Hound:
“At Tattersalls [31 May-3 June], there were just some little things that pointed to him getting older,” Ruth told H&H. “He was fantastic in the dressage and showjumping, but he didn’t feel as supple as he used to. It wasn’t anything you could see from the outside, but I know him so well.
We set off across country and there was a forward two strides between a double of tables, which normally he would make easily, but I had to really ride for it, although I had a cracking shot in. Then when we got to the water, he’s normally so good about jumping into water, but he wasn’t sure about the drop.
He’s not a horse who could compete at the lower levels — it’s all or nothing with him. You couldn’t give him to someone to compete at BE90 as they wouldn’t be able to get him to the dressage, let alone anything else. He is happy in the field and we might ride him occasionally.”
In other news, Wellington just confirmed their withdrawal from the bid for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, due to a change in local government. This leaves only three cities still in the running, Rabat (MAR); Bromont (CAN); and Vienna (AUT).
From the USEF Press Release:
Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) President Michael Stone, expressed his regret that Wellington was withdrawing from the bid process. “We are fully aware of the massively positive economic impact the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 had on Kentucky”, he said, “but we have a responsibility to the local community, equestrian sport, and the FEI World Equestrian Games not to waste the time, effort and resources of all parties involved in the international selection process.”
Your fully biased reporter would like to mention, Go Bromont in the bid for the 2018 WEG!!
