Legendary Dressage Horse TSF Dalera BB Retires: A Closer Look at Her Stellar Career
In a significant moment for the equestrian world, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, a double Olympic champion, recently announced the retirement of her celebrated dressage horse, TSF Dalera BB. This retirement follows their spectacular performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics and marks the end of a career filled with unmatched success and deep emotional bonds.
A Career of Unmatched Success
TSF Dalera BB, a 17-year-old Trakehner mare by Easy Game out of Dark Magic by Handryk, has been a dominant force in dressage since her rise to prominence in 2018. Her partnership with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl brought an impressive array of titles, including four Olympic gold medals—individual and team golds at both the 2021 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics—alongside multiple European Championships and World Cup Finals victories.
Dalera's journey began when she joined Jessica's stable at the age of seven. Together, they made their mark on the international stage at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, winning team gold and placing ninth in the Special. This was just the beginning of their ascent to the top, with subsequent victories at the 2019 European Championships in Rotterdam, the 2021 European Championships in Hagen, and numerous other competitions.
Farewell Tour and Future Plans
Although Paris 2024 was initially not intended to be Dalera's final competition, the emotional weight of the event led Jessica to make it so. However, Dalera will not disappear from the public eye entirely. A farewell tour has been planned, featuring "a few joyful appearances" at the 2024 Trakehner Stallion Licensing in Neumünster, Germany, and the CDI-W Basel in January 2025.
Retirement and Future Breeding Plans
Dalera will spend her retirement at Jessica's yard in Aubenhausen, Germany, where she will be cared for and potentially bred in the future. Jessica expressed her hopes that Dalera can have a baby one day, with plans to attempt breeding her next year.
Legacy and Impact
TSF Dalera BB's career has been nothing short of phenomenal. She is one of only four horses to have won two individual Olympic gold medals consecutively, a feat shared with legends like Salinero, Rembrandt, and Valegro. Her personal best scores include 84.612% in the Grand Prix, 85.593% in the Special, and 92.818% in the Freestyle, all achieved at the 2023 Europeans in Riesenbeck.
Dalera's retirement marks the end of an era but also opens a new chapter in her life, one that will be filled with rest, care, and the possibility of new life as a broodmare. Her legacy in the dressage world is cemented, and her bond with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl will continue to inspire and touch hearts for years to come.
Legal Challenges in the Equestrian World: The Case of Eric Lamaze
In other news within the equestrian community, 2008 Olympic showjumping champion Eric Lamaze has been ordered by an Ontario judge to pay over $500,000 to Iron Horse Farm Inc. concerning unresolved horse sales. This case, which Lamaze did not defend, emphasizes the ethical challenges and legal precedents involved in equestrian-related lawsuits.
The claimants have prioritized justice over monetary compensation, emphasizing ethical principles. This case reminds the equestrian community of the importance of transparency and fairness in business dealings.
Hopeful Recovery: Tom McEwen and Toledo De Kerser
British eventer Tom McEwen recently provided updates on Toledo De Kerser, his Olympic gold-medal-winning horse who sustained an injury at Burghley last year. After a period of recuperation and relaxation, Toledo has resumed under-saddle work, indicating a hopeful return to competition.
McEwen's updates bring attention to the challenges of horse injuries and the importance of successful rehabilitation techniques for competition horses. The equestrian community is eager to see Toledo back in action, symbolizing resilience and dedication in the sport.
Staying Updated with Major Equestrian Events
The equestrian world is ever-evolving, with significant events such as the Paralympic Games, Burghley Horse Trials, and the Horse of the Year Show consistently making headlines. It is crucial for enthusiasts to stay informed about these events through reliable sources like Horse & Hound, which offers detailed reports and expert analyses.
Conclusion
The retirement of TSF Dalera BB, coupled with legal and recovery updates, reflects the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the equestrian world. As Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera embark on a new journey, their story serves as a testament to the profound connections between humans and horses. Similarly, ongoing legal and recovery stories underline the ethical and physical challenges within the sport.
Staying updated with major equestrian events ensures that enthusiasts remain informed about the sport's key transitions and milestones, celebrating both triumphs and overcoming challenges.
For further details and updates, read the full article on Horse & Hound.
