Max, a veteran of two Rolex FEI World Cup Dressage Finals and the 2008 Olympic Games, has retired from international competition.
Owners Yvette Conn and Kyra Kyrklund announced his retirement after his seventh-placed individual performance in the Grand Prix freestyle at the Alltech FEI European Championships at the end of August, according to Eurodressage.com
“I like happy endings,” Kyrklund said. “Max has been one of my most consistent and honest horses.”
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Max and Kyrklund have competed at the highest level of dressage for the past six years and have contested more than 30 international competitions together. Their competitive highlights include a ninth-placed finish in the Special and sixth-placed finishes in the Grand Prix and freestyle at the Olympic Games in Hong Kong, a sixth-placed overall finish at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, and three European Championship appearances in addition to their numerous CDI wins and placings all over Europe.
Conn described Max’s career as a “wonderful journey” and that Max helped her “reach heights in dressage that she never dreamt were possible.”
Kyrklund said that Max gave her more than she ever expected or hoped for and she plans on continuing to ride Max at home. He may also become a mentor for Kyrklund’s students.
