Edward Gal's Grand Prix mare Sisther de Jeu has been retired from competition sport and will continue her career as a broodmare in the care of Minne Hovenga and Esther de Melker of Stal Seldsum. Owned by Emmy de Jeu, the dark bay Dutch warmblood mare is turning 14 in the spring.
"In mutual agreement with rider Edward Gal and trainer Nicole Werner, owner Emmy de Jeu has decided to retire her top mare Sisther de Jeu from competition and use her as a broodmare," Werner stated.
Born in 1999, Sisther de Jeu is by Gribaldi out of Esther (by Amor x Irco Polo) and is bred by the legendary, late breeder Huub van Helvoirt. Under Goffe Nil van der Zijden Sisther finished 6th in the 2005 Pavo Cup Finals for 5-year olds
That same year the elite sportmare arrived in Edward Gal's barn for training and the duo represented The Netherlands at the 2006 World Young Horse Championships and finished 7th in the 6-year old Finals.
The combination made their claim to fame in 2007 by becoming the Dutch Small Tour Champions. At the national show in Almelo they made their Grand Prix debut in 2008.
While Sisther booked quite a few major achievements at international shows, the bay mare struggled to cope with tension in the show ring. In 2009 Totilas took over the spotlight in Gal's barn and the mare moved more into the background. In 2011 she made a come back to the forefront after the sale of Totilas and the pair became members of the bronze medal winning Dutch team at the 2011 European Championships in Rotterdam.
The duo's last competition together was the World Cup Qualifier in Amsterdam in January 2012 more than one year ago. Sisther has not been out in the show ring since then. Today her retirement was announced.
"Sisther has had a fantastic career with many highlights, thanks to the fantastic riding talent of Edward and top management of Nicole," Emmy de Jeu stated in a press release. "I'm grateful to Edward, Nicole and the entire team for the years they trained Sisther with so much love and expertise and for the many beautiful successes I have experienced with them."
In a more personal note on Facebook, Emmy wrote that she was shedding "tears of happiness.. for Sisther, what she brought me: so many wonderful moments, friends all over the world, knowledge of horses, admiration for the riders and the team around her.. And I know she will be so happy in the paddock, I am sure this is the best decision I could ever take!"
Edward commented that "I have trainer Sisther with pleasure. She wasn't always the easiest, but that kept us sharp. We have learnt much from her and are happy that she will be enjoying her well earned retirement."
Photos © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Sisther de Jeu
Florencio and Sandreo Win the 2004 Pavo Cup Finals
Scores 2005 World Young Horse Championships
Scores 2007 Dutch Dressage Championships
Laarakkers and Gal Win Big at 2008 CDN Almelo
Krooswijk, Witte-Vrees and Haazen, 2010 Dutch Indoor Dressage Champions
Gal and Sisther de Jeu Stand Out in Mediocre 2010 CDI-W Mechelen Grand Prix
