Sebastien, Lindsay Kellock’s Canadian Olympic Mount, Retired at Age 16
3 years ago StraightArrow Comments Off on Sebastien, Lindsay Kellock’s Canadian Olympic Mount, Retired at Age 16
July 5, 2022
Sebastien, the Rhinelander gelding that Lindsay Kellock rode for Canada at the 2019 Tokyo Olympics, has been retired at the age of 16.
“With much thought, love, sadness, and appreciation, today I announce the retirement of my dance partner, Sebastien,” Lindsey reported on her Facebook page about the horse.
“We had our sights set on WEG, but over the past few months Sebastien has been battling some health issues and after much thought and discussion with Sebastien’s wonderful owner, Melissa (Schiff Soros) and veterinarian, Dr. (Rick) Mitchell, we feel it is in the best interest of Sebastien to give him the retirement he deserves.”
Sebastien (Sandro Hit x Fidermark) was first competed by Lindsey at Big Tour beginning in February 2019. Of the 33 Grand Prix starts, all but nine were at the Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida, including two team medal-earning Nations Cups.
“Sebastien taught me so many life lessons,” Lindsay wrote. “He taught me to be patient, resilient, caring, tough, humble and grateful. Like every story with horses, the path to realize one’s dreams is not always clear, and there are often many challenges along the way. When Sebastien and I had our best moments in the ring, it was all worth it. He gave me such an incredible feeling, and is one of the most talented horses I have ever sat on.
“Sebastien helped me through the most difficult time in my life and gave me a reason to keep going and push through to reach my lifelong dream of being an Olympian.”
Melissa, she said, picked Sebastien at three years of age, identifying “both his athleticism and good brain (most of the time). You introduced us, stood by our side, and supported this partnership through and through. Always our biggest cheerleader. Sebastien loved getting his polo mints from you in the barn and in the warm ups at the shows.”
Ashley Holzer, the four-time Olympian for Canada but who now competes for the U.S., coached the pair to Grand Prix in mentoring Lindsay for the past 12 years.
Of the partnership with Sebastien, Lindsay described him as “cheeky, hilarious , loving , scary , opinionated , confident, loyal all at once.
“Even though we had our moments where you would try and dictate how the ride was going to go or on some days attempt to dump me into the judges’ booths, I will always miss going down the centerline with you. I will never forget the feeling you gave me when you wanted to show off for the crowd. You were a real showman when you wanted to be and I will always cherish the partnership we had and the special moments we shared together, both in and out of the ring.”
