Christian Pläge's career making Grand Prix horse, Regent, has passed away on Sunday evening 18 April 2021 following a severe colic attack. He was 29 years old.
Regent was a 1992 born Danish warmblood gelding by Resident out of Camilla (by Calimero). He was bred by Jonna Jessing in Kruså, Denmark.
Swiss Anchor Horse
Owned by Joanna Didier from Sion, Switzerland, Regent arrived in Plage's Green + Gold stable in Günsberg in 2000 already having been successful at M-level. Pläge and Regent became one of Switzerland’s most reliable team horses ever.
They represented Switzerland for the first time at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez, placing 6th with the team and 18th individually. In 2003 they were 7th in the World Cup Final in s’Hertogenbosch and won the Swiss Dressage Championships. In 2004 they placed at the Olympic Games in Athens, finishing 10th with the team and 30th in the Grand Prix. In 2005 he won silver at the Swiss Championships.
2006 was Regent’s most successful show year. He won the Swiss Championships and went on to reach the freestyle final at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen. In front of 50,000 people Regent finished his freestyle with a halt, standing still like a statue on long reins and taking in the praise and clapping of the crowds. His perfect halt reflected his always relaxed character and happy attitude to life.
In 2007 Regent won bronze at the Swiss Championships. Regent represented Switzerland a last time at the 2009 European Championships in Windsor where he reached the Grand Prix Special to finish 28th.
Retirement
At age 18, Regent was still in top shape, but after disappointing results at the CDI Wiesbaden in the spring that year, the owner and rider decided to retire the gelding from the sport.
Regent spent his retirement in the field at his home of almost twenty years. A severe bout of colic over the weekend turned out to be fatal and Regent had to be put to sleep.
"A few days ago we were still thinking how healthy he was and then something happens that changes it all," said Birgit Wientzek-Pläge. "With a heavy heart we decided to relieve him from pain because of colic. We are unbelievably sad but grateful that we were able to be there in his final moments."
Birgit added, "he was a friend and a partner that you only get once in a lifetime."
Photos © Astrid Appels - Silke Rottermann
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Regent
Christian Pläge's Regent Officially Retired from Competition
Corinth Does it Again at the 2010 Swiss Dressage Championships
Salieri CH and Regent Withdrawn from WEG Contention
Christian Pläge and Regent, A Fresh Breeze at 2003 World Cup Finals
Birgit and Christian Plage, Team Work at Its Best
