Good Times in Retirement: Mistral Hojris

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F.O.C.U.S.

Mistral Hojris, Laura Tomlinson-Bechtolsheimer's career making Grand Prix horse, is relishing his retirement and at age 29 is still thriving.

Mistral Hojris is a Danish warmblood gelding by Michellino x Ibsen. He is bred by Betty Rasmussen.

Pioneers

Bechtolsheimer and Mistral were pioneers in bringing U.K. dressage sport to the top of the world in modern day.

Their medal haul began at the 2005 European Young Riders Championships, where they won team silver and individual bronze. They then picked up team silver and individual bronze at the 2009 European Championships in Windsor; earned three silver medals at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, won team gold and individual bronze at the 2011 European Championships in Rotterdam, and team gold and individual bronze at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Mistral was retired from sport at the 2013 CDI-W London. After their major successes, Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro cleared the path to solidify Britain's top position as a ruling dressage nation.

Good Times in Retirement

Laura's daughter Annalise watching Alf in the field

Mistral spends his time out in the field with his peer, Andretti H.

"Alf and Andretti H are both well, same age and very spoiled," Laura told Eurodressage. "They go out in the field together every day and come in at night, so they still get fussed over and looked after, but nothing more than that. They are still very competitive with each other over attention, especially mine!"

The senior equine often requires special nutrition and it's no different at Laura's stable.

"They get Pro Natural feed for “seniors” and plenty of supplements," she said. "Soaked feed, soaked mash (all mine get that) and then carrots are starting to need to be grated or boiled."