Sir Donnerhall II farewell to competition

After a 14-year international career, Sir Donnerhall II Old has now said goodbye to competition, in Fort Worth, at the end of his 6th World Cup Final where he finished 13th.

Born in Germany at Maik Kanitzky's stud farm, Sir Donnerhall II Old is none other than the full brother of Sir Donnerhall I, reserve champion at the Oldenburg licensing in 2003 and reserve champion at the 5-year-old World Championships in 2005. Initially trained by Merle Güldenstern and Wolhard Witte for his breeder, Sir Donnerhall II then went through the Vechta auction, where he was acquired by the Nyrerod family in Sweden. Sent to Andreas Helgstrand, the stallion joined Thomas Sigtenbjerggaard's string of horses, with whom he won a bronze medal at the 6-year-old World Championships in 2012. The Barbançon family then acquired him as Painted Black's successor.

The story could have ended there, as Sir Donnerhall II Old suffered a serious accident in 2013 in Falsterbo : while rolling, the son of Sandro Hit sustained a severe injury when he went through one of the wooden walls of his boxe. Despite an initial very guarded prognosis, with the on-site veterinarian considering euthanasia due to a nearly 40 cm wound and damaged ligaments, "Gus" was ultimately saved after surgery, three months in the hospital, and months of rehabilitation. More than two years passed before Sir Donnerhall II returned to competition; a comeback at the highest level that he made in the Small Tour at Maastricht in November 2014.

After 10 years at Grand Prix level, Sir Donnerhall II's career has come to an end with one of the most impressive track records in the history of French dressage. First competing under Spanish flag and then under the French ones, the Oldenburg, with its incredibly expressive trot and extended canter, enabled his rider to qualify for 8 World Cup Finals, compete in the European Championships in Rotterdam and Hagen, the World Championships in Herning, the Tokyo Olympic Games, become French Pro Elite Champion, win 15 CDI competitions, and participate in such prestigious events as Lyon, Stuttgart, London Olympia, Neumünster, 's-Hertogenbosch, Rotterdam, and Doha. At 20 years old, Sir Donnerhall II has therefore finished with the sport, leaving it after having made his mark with his consistency: he was still breaking the 72% barrier a month ago at the Motesice World Cup event.

Clearly moved after his exit from the ring, Morgan Barbançon confided, "It's a bittersweet moment. I'm very happy, I enjoyed myself even if I'm a little disappointed with the score. The crowd was great, the horse was great, I'll cherish this moment for a long time."

picture : FEI/Leanjo de Koster