Nicola Wilson has announced Opposition Buzz is to retire while he is at the “top of his game”.
Enjoy his retirement
Nicola and his owner Rosemary Search decided to retire ‘Dodi’ from top level competition in April, however it has now been decided he will no longer compete at any level.
“He will be 18 next year and started to feel bit older in himself,” Nicola told H&C. “If it was up to him he’d keep going forever. But it’s our responsibility to make sure he stops while he’s at the top of his game, and still fit and well enough to enjoy his retirement.”
Fantastic season
After stepping down a gear from four-star level, Dodi has enjoyed a superb season, winning the three-star at Hopetoun International in June and the Advanced at Chatsworth in May. The pair also placed sixth in the three-star at Gatcombe’s Festival of Eventing and came second in the Advanced at Allerton earlier this month.
“He’s had a fantastic season,” Nicola told H&C. “With the shorter format he’s run better that he has done for years. And it’s been fun for him to go to some local high profile events and really enjoy the buzz.”
Dodi is famous for his enthusiasm on the cross-country and unorthodox but exuberant jumping technique – which won him loyal fans all around the world
Own rulebook
“He had his own rulebook, but we learned to work together and I’ve just gone with him and tried to channel his enthusiasm,” said Nicola. “He really is very different to any other horse I’ve ridden and I doubt I will ride another like him.”
Dodi represented Britain on several occasions, winning team gold and bronze at the 2009 and 2011 European Championships, team gold at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and team silver at the London Olympics.
“Without a doubt he bridged the gap between me nearly getting on a team, or being the reserve, to actually being on the team,” said Nicola. “He’s just phenomenal on the cross-country, so light on his feet and he covers the ground with ease. He’s been a super horse for my career and for his proud owner.”
King of the yard
Dodi will stay with Nicola at her yard in Northallerton, North Yorkshire where he will be kept “as active as possible”.
“He’s actually a very laid back horse when he’s not competing, so he will enjoy plentyof hacking and time out in the field,” said Nicola. “He still has his own stable, andI’m sure he will still be king of the yard.”