Lindsay Kellock's Olympic Ride Sebastien Retired from Sport

Dressage

Canada

Canadian Olympian Lindsay Kellock has announced the retirement of her Tokyo ride, Sebastien.

Sebastien is a 16-year old Rhinelander by Sandro Hit out of Feine Dame Good Hope's (by Fidermark x Damenstolz x Dialekt).

German Start

He is bred by Inge Wencek in Moers, Germany, and a half brother to Sunshine Lady (by Sir Donnerhall) who was shown at international small tour level by Belgian Philippe Jorissen.

Sold to the U.S.A.

Sebastien sold to Melissa Schiff Soros of Enterprise Farm Equestrian LLC, who has a summer base in in Rhinebeck, NY and winter base in Wellington, FL. She purchased the horse in August 2009 in Europe as a 3-year old.

The gelding was initially ridden by Erik Englund who showed him as a youngster in 2010 and 2011. Ida Mattisson then took over the ride on Sebastien until 2015.

Matched to Kellock

Kellock first met Sebastien when she went for a job interview for the position of head trainer at Enterprise Farm in Wellington in September of 2016. She had just decided to start her own business, after working for godmother Ashley Holzer for seven years.

Two years later the pair made their international debut at Grand Prix level at the CDI-W Wellington in February 2019. The pair scored 68.913% in the Grand Prix and 72.660% in the freestyle. Half a year later they competed at Saugerties and Devon, where they recorded three victories.

In 2020 the pair gained mileage at the Global Dressage Festival and turned themselves into strong Canadian Olympic team candidates, but the corona pandemic postponed the Oympics by one year. Kellock and Sebastien stayed home for almost 10 months, working on their overall performance together.

They returned to the arena at the 2021 Global Dressage Festival and recoded one victory, followed by a double at the CDI Ocala. They represented Canada at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, where they posted 65.404% in the Grand Prix to place 50th.

WEG Dream and Retirement

In 2022, Kellock and Sebastien were aiming for a team spot for the World Championships Dressage in Herning, Denmark, but after one start in Wellington, they had to retire from the 5* Grand Prix freestyle at the end of February. It was Sebastien's last competition.

Lindsay and Melissa Schiff with Sebastien

"We had our sights set on WEG, but over the past few months Sebastien has been battling some health issues and after much thought and discussion with Sebastien’s wonderful owner, Melissa and veterinarian, Dr. Mitchell, we feel it is in the best interest of Sebastien to give him the retirement he deserves," Kellock stated.

Schiff and Kellock announced the retirement of Sebastien from high performance competition sport.

"Like every story with horses, the path to realize one’s dreams is not always clear, and there are often many challenges along the way. When Sebastien and I had our best moments in the ring, it was all worth it. He gave me such an incredible feeling, and is one of the most talented horses I have ever sat on," Kellock wrote. "Sebastien helped me through the most difficult time in my life and gave me a reason to keep going and push through to reach my lifelong dream of being an Olympian."

Melissa Schiff stated, "Lindsay and Sebastien had an extraordinary partnership." Lindsay added that, "none of this would be possible without Melissa. She picked Sebastian at just 3 years old, identifying both his athleticism and good brain, most of the time," she joked. "She introduced us, stood by our side, and supported this partnership through and through. She has always been our biggest cheerleader. I thank her for her trust."

The Future

While Sebastien kicks back a gear, Lindsay focuses on the future with new rising stars in the pipeline.

The horse closest to Grand Prix level is Lisa Grogan Apa's 10-year old Hanoverian bred Tu Le Merite (by Totilas x Sarkozy). He recently showed at national Inter-B level and posted 70%. Melissa's 6-year old KWPN bred Light My Fire (by UB40 x Krack C) is one amongst several talented young horses that Lindsay is producing for Schiff.

"I look forward to bringing up your talented young horses so we can continue on this amazing journey together," said Kellock, who is a busy bee with many students competing at young rider, U25 and Grand Prix level. "They are all looking to make a team in the future. I love riding and developing horses, but I also have a real passion for coaching. It’s so rewarding to watch your students go in the ring and do well! We have a great stable with such a supportive group of people. I feel very lucky."