Dutch young Grand Prix rider Zoë Kuintjes has announced the retirement of her number one ride, Cupido. The pair competed last at the 2025 CDI Kronenberg Indoor.
Cupido is an 18-year old Dutch warmblood gelding by Rhodium out of Walinda (by San Remo). He is bred by L. Heida.
Boschman and Van Lierop
Cupido first made the spotlight in 2013 when he sold for 350,000 euro to RS2 Dressage at the Equine Elite auction.
The bay gelding made his international show debut at small tour level in 2015 under Seth Boschman. The pair first showed at the CDI Nieuw en St. Joosland and campainged at Villach that year. In 2016 Boschman's life-partner at the time, Robin van Lierop took over the ride and showed him first at small tour in Saumur, followed by the 2017 CDI Nieuw en St. Joosland.
In 2018 Van Lierop and Cupido had their first Grand Prix start in Nieuw en St. Joosland, posting 69.370%, after which they rode at the CDI Aachen Dressage Days and Uggerhalne. A three year break from CDI showing followed until their return at the 2021 CDI Hagen, where they posted 61.304% in the Grand prix and 66.043% in the consolation class. It was their last international show.
Zoe Kuintjes
Kuintjes had represented The Netherlands at the 2015 and 2016 European Pony Championships and 2019 European Young Riders Championships in San Giovanni in Marignano (ITA).
Kuintjes and Cupido made their CDI debut in Exloo in June 2022 and gained mileage in Meerle, Le Mans, Amsterdam, Lier, Aachen and Geesteren before making the Dutch team for the 2023 European Under 25 Championships in Pilisjaszfalu, where they won team bronze. She finished 7th in the short Grand Prix and 8th in the Kur. They won bronze at the 2023 Dutch U25 Championships.
In 2024 the pair did two CDI's (Gothenburg and Tolbert) and were 7th at the 2024 Dutch Championships. after which a year-break from CDI showing followed. They returned at the 2025 CDI Tolbert. Seven months later they rode their last CDI in Kronenberg, Cupido's swan song.
Retirement
"I've experienced a lot with you from my first grand prix test to competing at the European Championship, bronze medal at the National Championship to many international victories," Zoe stated. "You have taught me so much and gave me so many beautiful moments. I'm going to miss riding in the ring with you, but you have proved until your last test what a great horse and great attitude you have. I want to especially thank RS2 and Marieke van der Putten for everything in the past years."
Photos © Astrid Appels - Petra Kerschbaum
Related Links
Robin van Lierop's Cupido to Be Schoolmaster for Zoe Kuintjes
New Job and New Horses for Dutch Young Rider Zoe Kuintjes
Cupido, Price Highlight of the 2013 Equine Elite Auction