French dressage rider Marietta Almasy is saying good-bye to her Grand Prix mount Pavarotti and the competition ring. The pair rode its last tests at the national dressage competition in Paris La Garde, June 1, 2003.
In Paris, Pavarotti seemed to know that he was doing his final rounds. "Judge Roudier came up to me and told me that he had seen a Pavarotti of the old days," a emotional Almasy told French magazine L'Eperon.
Sympathizing with Almasy's situation, the French Grand Prix rider Hubert Perring and Mrs. Lenzini offered Almasy a remembrance bracelet and a bouquet of flowers. Not only does Almasy have to cope with the separation from her horse, but she has also outlined new goals in her life. Mariette will dedicate her time to teaching, training horses and judging.
Pavarotti, a 13-year old Russian Trakehner by Prizyv out of Energichnava (by Pepel) will be ridden and competed by the German Ingo Menze. Menze, who is located in Aachen, Germany, is also riding the Grand Prix horse Boulou des Frettes. Both horses can soon be seen in the show ring.
Image copyrighted: Dirk Caremans
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The Return of Marietta Almasy
