Swedish Grand Prix rider Nina Hofmann-Kuppers has decided to retire her number one Grand Prix horse Leo af Magnushoj from competition. The 17-year old Danish warmblood gelding has been struggling with minor recurring injuries.
Hoffman and Leo af Magnushoj (by Rohdiamant x Leonardo II) are one of the very few combinations making a successful transition from junior riders level all the way up to international Grand Prix.
In 2011 they were submitted to the Swedish Grand Prix A-team and up for team consideration for the 2011 European Championships. Unfortunately a tendon injury sidelined her horse and while Hofmann and her veterinary team were able to bring Leo back to fitness in 2012, they missed out on riding the Swedish Olympic qualifiers.
"Leo got a muscle injury in his shoulder in the beginning of the year," Hofmann told Eurodressage. "First it was really difficult to find and then it took some time to heel. During the heeling time he has been saving that leg which now caused that he has some pressure elsewhere. Not a lot and not that bad but he needs some time again."
These small health concerns were at the root of Nina's decision to retire Leo from international competition. She stressed that she doesn't want to squeeze the maximum out of her horse, but instead retire him from top level when he's still healthy.
"It's important that I don't retire him because he is broken, but I retire him not to break him. For me it's really important to honor this amazing horse for everything he has done for me! He took me from the junior level to international Grand Prix and a World Cup finals," said Hofmann. "He now deserves to be treated like the old champion that he is. He will stay in training so if he is fit next year, who knows maybe he will compete again?"
For the future Hofmann will be focusing on her new Grand Prix horse Lusingando (by Lanciano x Lucky Light) which was previously campaigned by Emile Faurie and Joachim Thomsen. "He is a fantastic horse that has moved around alot, but he is with me to stay," said Hofmann. "I really have a lot hope in him for next year."
Nina also has the young horses Duracell Havdal (DWB, by Don Schufro x Aron) and Aura (by Alabaster x Archipel) to prepare for FEI level.
Photos © Astrid Appels
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