Former Dutch Under 25 Grand Prix rider Romy Peijen had to say goodbye to her career making dressage horse Rex. The gelding was 22 and retired from sport three years ago.
Rex was a KWPN bred gelding by Jazz out of international Grand Prix mare Madorijke (by Contango). He was bred by J. van Venrooij.
Peijen purchased the chestnut gelding as a 4-year old and they spent 18 years together.
The pair made its international show debut in 2006 at junior riders level and competed in those divisions for three years. In 2009 they jumped to young riders' level.
In 2013 they moved up to Under 25 level and first competed at the CDI Deauville, France, where they placed second twice. That year they also showed in Kapellen and Roosendaal.
Their most active show season was in 2014 with CDI starts in Nieuw en St. Joosland, Villach, Munich, Rotterdam, Deauville, Odense, Roosendaal and Mechelen, winning the short Grand prix in Munich.
They also showed a full season in 2015 with further international appearances in Munich, Villach, Hagen and Lier. The CDI Lier in November 2015 was Rex' last competition as well as Peijen's last international show in her career, so far.
The 30-year old Peijen took to Facebook: "Love is letting go, no matter how painful it is (...). The moment came for me to make the impossible choice. I have to let you go but you will stay in my mind forever. My first horse, my youth, you were my everything."
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Rex
Scores: 2008 Dutch Dressage Championships