Lexington - Ian Stark

[FigJam]

Has anyone read the front page of the event website?

In front of a crowd of 19,721, Ian Stark of Great Britain, formally retired from Three-Day competition. Ian has been competing at the international level for nearly 30 years, and is best known for his wonderful horses, Glen Burnie, Sir Wattie, and the crowd-pleasing, flamboyant, Murphy Himself. Ian could not have been more appreciative of the American public saying, “Thank you, what a great send off I’ve had." Ian ended his eventing career in 15th place on Full Circle II.


Indeed a great way to finish, but sad to see one of Scotland and the UK's leading rider's officially retiring from 3DE. Hope to see him at lots of ODE's though.

 

[Thistle]

What a shame he didn't chose to retire at British competition

 

[RachelFerd]

i believed he already had retired?

 

[FigJam]

He had kind of unofficially retired from international big 3DE, but had still been bringing on young horses and competing at ODEs.

From the sounds of it, he will still do this, but we won't see him at another 3DE.

Thistle, I have to agree it would have been far nicer to hear this news after a UK event, but I guess he maybe wasn't wanting to compete at Badminton/Burghley or any of the other big UK events and wanted to announce straight away rather than wait for everyone to speculate on a big comeback after doing fairly well at Lexington?

 

[kirstyfk]

I wonder what is going to happen to Full Circle. If I have worked it out correctly he is only 11. So would have a few more 4 stars in him at least.

 

[FigJam]

http://hlthreedayeventblog.wordpress.com/

According to this website, the horse is also retiring as it has been very injury prone, but Ian felt he had the stuff to prove himself at 4**** first.

 

[tw1nn1ejo]

Pitty to see him retiring as he was such a great eventer but he has had a great time over the years. He will be greatly missed.

 

[sw123]

Its a real shame, I have loved having Ian at competitions (mainly selfishly for support!) but it doesn't say he's retiring from ODE's though.....I wonder if we'll see him out again.

Fantastic trainer too though so he'll have mroe time for that I suppose! And his course designing....

 

[airedale]

Ian and murphy - something else

never to be forgotten - particularly MHs habit of missing out the stride in one stride doubles.

Also MH was swapped to Ian by no less a horsewoman than Ginny Leng when she found him just toooooo much.

Ian just didn't win 7 badmintons (like Lucinda) but he was/is still as good a jockey on lots of different and difficult horses.

 

[tw1nn1ejo]

Yes, I would love to go to ODE that he's competing in and see him

 

[sw123]

You'll have to move up North then!!! See him around at PN's and all sorts up here!

 

[ewilban1]

His round in stadium jumping was unbelievable-- what a note to end on. It was the most incredible ride I've ever seen in my entire life.