Jan Ebeling has withdrawn Beth Meyer, Ann Romney and Amy Ebeling’s Rafalca from the CDI**** in Aachen, Germany, and contention for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (France).

Ebeling, Moorpark, Calif., decided it would be in the best interest of the FEI World Cup and 2012 London Olympic Games veteran to retire her from competition.

“With mixed emotions, we regretfully announce that Rafalca will relinquish her bid for the WEG team in Normandy,” said Jan in a statement. “Rafalca’s health and welfare have always been our highest priority, and at this moment, at 17 years old, she is not prepared to compete.

“We will be cheering on Team USA from the sidelines, with so many new horses and riders on the forefront,” continued Ebeling. “Rafalca and I have had an exceptional run through the years with the support of so many. Her legacy will live on through her offspring, and she has left her mark by expanding the sport of dressage to a broader audience that will be felt for years to come.”

“Jan has shown great strength and grace in determining that Rafalca, having brought him to both the Olympic Games and multiple World Cups, deserves to go into retirement with no regrets and in good health,” said U.S. Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover. “I applaud Jan and his supporters and know we will see him back on fantastic horses in the big arena again very soon.”

“The connection I felt with Rafalca will inspire me as I move forward in this sport,” said Jan. “She was a horse that worked more with her heart than her legs. She was ‘the little engine that could’ and captured the hearts of so many.”