With a spectacular victory, December’s Holsteiner of the Month has bid farewell as he enters his well-deserved retirement. In mid-November, the Holsteiner Cashew CR by Cassini II-Quinar, bred by Georg Clausen (Rabenkirchen), brought his long and successful career as a show jumper to a close whilst in peak condition.

For nine years, Alex Matz and the Holsteiner from line 4539 formed a partnership. The 29-year-old American made his breakthrough into international show jumping with Cashew. The pair finished in the top three on 47 occasions, securing 19 victories. And with an emotional victory in the $90,000 show jumping class at the CSI5* Royal Horse Show in Toronto (CAN), Alex Matz brought the exceptional athlete’s active career to a close.

“For him to end his career on such a high note is something very special. Cashew is a champion and deserves a victory as a farewell,” said Matz at the subsequent prize-giving ceremony. “We decided a few months ago that he would retire at the end of this year. He has given me so much; the best thing we can do for him is to ensure he enjoys a happy retirement whilst he is still fit and well.” Cashew CR will now spend his retirement on his favourite pasture at the Matz family farm in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.

Photo: Janne Bugtrup