Her flopping ears were unforgettable. Her extended trot was something to behold. Rocher was a crowd favorite wherever she went, and after a long and accolade-filled career, Charles and Joann Smith’s 18-year-old Westphalian mare (Rolls Royce— Fraenzi) is retiring.
George Williams started riding Rocher in 2000 for the Smith family and Gypsy Woods Farm. Her career highlights included a fifth placed finish in the 2003 FEI World Cup Final Freestyle in Göteborg, Sweden. That same year she was named U.S. Dressage Federation Grand Prix Horse and Grand Prix Freestyle Horse of the Year as well as the Chronicle of the Horse Dressage Horse of the Year.
She won Dressage At Devon (Pa.) an unprecedented three times and took home the U.S. Equestrian Federation Grand Prix Championship in 2005.
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“Rocher took a dream and made it a reality,” said Charles. “She took us all over the world and filled us with pride. She has incredible character and inspired her fans wherever she showed.”
The announcement of Rocher’s retirement was coupled with the news that Williams will no longer work as the head trainer at Gypsy Woods Farm. The Smiths have decided to give up international dressage pursuits, but the farm will continue boarding horses, hosting clinics, and providing talented young horses to an adult amateur audience.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chuck and Joann Smith for the privilege of riding and training such a wonderful horse. The thrill of competing a horse of her quality, talent and generous spirit is indescribable,” said Williams. “My partnership with Rocher allowed me to pursue a dream of competing internationally and representing our country. I want to thank the Smiths for also providing me with other special horses to train and compete, including Marnix, Donnerbube III and Vermeer. It is with great emotion that I leave these horses behind. My family and I are looking forward to the opportunities that the future holds as we weigh our options. These options include continuing to compete at the FEI levels on some of the promising young horses I have been offered. With Rocher, I flew close to the sun. I hope to fly close to the sun once again.”
