Dressage-News

Jan. 6, 2015
Great Britain’s team medal-winning DV Stenkjers Nadonna, ridden by Gareth Hughes and owned by Jane Brewin, has been retired from competition at the age of 17.

The decision was made to retire the chestnut mare while she is still fit and well and can enjoy retirement at home with her owners.

Nadonna, by Donnerschlag, represented Great Britain at the 2013 European Championships in Herning where they won team bronze and team silver at last year’s World Equestrian Games with Gareth since he was given the ride four years ago. The duo won the Grand Prix at the 2014 WEG Test Event and were instrumental in Nations Cup series.

“We’ve been very lucky to see her fulfil her potential,” Jane said, “but our promise to Donna was always that she could enjoy her retirement. We have so many people to thank, especially Gareth, Steph, and all the team who have kept her happy and healthy. We also want to thank the World Class Programme and National Lottery for their support. She’s enabled us to live our dream and now it’s time for Donna to live hers”.

Gareth said: “We’ve had an amazing few seasons, capped off with WEG last year. Donna will be 17 this year, and Jane and Kevin decided that they’d like to give something back to the mare and give her a nice retirement as a thank you for what she’s given them. When we started together we didn’t expect we’d end up doing a Europeans or a World Championships but I couldn’t be more thankful for what she’s given us, she’s outdone all our expectations, and each step we made forward was very special.”