Hannah Biggs' Weltzin Retired from Competition Sport

Dressage

British Dressage News

British Grand Prix rider Hannah Biggs has retired her number one horse Weltzin, a 17-year old Hanoverian bred stallion by Weltbogen x Werther, from international competition sport. An injury sustained in the field ended the sport career of the horse.

The striking chestnut stallion kick-started Biggs' success on the international stage. After Weltzin became a premium licensed stallion in Germany, he sold to Biggs as a 5-year old. Hannah trained him up the levels herself.

The duo has represented Great Britain at the CDIO Rotterdam, Hagen and Aachen. They competed at the World Cup qualifiers in Amsterdam and London. Their career highlights were most likely a second place in the Grand Prix Special at the 2013 CDI 4* Hamburg and a victory in the Grand Prix Kur at the 2014 CDI 3* in Saumur.

Biggs had initially decided to retire the horse and loan him to a young rider to enjoy a more leisurely pace of life as a schoolmaster. Sadly, following an injury that Weltzin sustained in the field, this option is no longer viable and the 16-year old chestnut Hanoverian is still recovering from the accident.

"I’ve had the most amazing time dancing with my best friend and I want to thank him for all he’s taught me," Biggs commented. "Weltzin has been a faithful friend who took me on so many great adventures, not least of which was the opportunity to join the World Class Podium Potential Squad. Weltzin is a much loved horse one in a million who gave me his heart but sadly at this point in time, it is still not clear whether he will make a full recovery and be able to enjoy a proper retirement. He is a fighter and we are doing everything we can for him. Naturally, my absolute priority is to stand by the horse who gave me his all and to make the correct choices to ensure his continued happiness and comfort. I want to take this opportunity to thank his breeders and everyone who helped us on our journey."