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Show Jumping Great Sapphire Retired

May 15, 2012
Posted by Erica Larson

The 17-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare carried McLain Ward to two Olympic Gold medals during her career.

Topics: Article, Olympics

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Sapphire, the Belgian Warmblood mare who carried McLain Ward (USA) to two Olympic Gold medals, has been retired from competition.

In 2011 the now 17-year-old mare strained a check ligament during training. Ward elected to give the mare the remainder of the competition year off to heal.

Sapphire had just returned to competition earlier this year when Ward broke his leg in a fall off another horse.

On May 14 Ward announced the mare’s retirement on his Facebook page

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Written by:

Erica Larson

Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.