French-Israelian Grand Prix rider Constance Menard has retired her number one Grand Prix horse Lianca. The 16-year old mare sustained a severe tendon injury which has ended her active competition career.
Owner and rider Menard, therefore, decided to retire the mare.
"She needs one full year to recover. The treament is too important," Menard told Eurodressage. "I dont want to push her to get back into the show ring after all she gave me."
Lianca, affectionally called Noisette, is born in 1993 and is a Guelderland mare by Tourist out of star preferent mare Bianca (by Oran). She was bred by R. Brink and trained to Grand Prix level by his owner Constance Menard.
Menard and Lianca had their peak performances in 2005 and 2006. They won a Grand Prix Special class at the 2005 Sunshine tour and qualified for the 2005 European Dressage Championships. In 2006 they were members of the French team at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany.
"She's a big champion and her heart is so generous," Menard said. "I respect her integrity."
Menard has planned on using Lianca as a broodmare. "She will get married and have lots of babies and be happy for the rest of her life. A page in my life has turned, but a new page has begun for her," a saddened Menard explained.
Related Links
Constance Menard to Ride for Israel
Constance Laboute's Claim to Fame
Odile van Doorn Out, Constance Menard In on France Team for Hagen