Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation have had a highly successful partnership over the past seven years. © Julie Wilson Equestrian Photography
By Equestrian Life
New Zealand Olympic eventer Clarke Johnstone has announced the retirement of Balmoral Sensation only two weeks after the pair competed at the Sydney 3DE.
In a post on his Facebook page, Clarke said the nearly 17-year-old warmblood had sustained an injury forcing his unexpected retirement from competition.
“After jumping a fantastic clear cross country round at Sydney 3DE, with his ears pricked all the way to the finish flags like he always does, unfortunately it became clear that Balmoral Sensation had picked up an injury and that he wouldn’t be continuing in the competition,’ wrote Clark.
“Sadly, this has also ruled us out of Olympic contention for the Tokyo Games.”
“At his age of almost 17 years and after all of the wonderful moments and memories that he has given me, I have made the very sad decision to call time on Ritchie’s brilliant Eventing career.”
“More than owing me nothing, I owe Ritchie a huge debt of gratitude and he has gone home to New Zealand now to start his retirement that he has so thoroughly earned.
“It is hard to put into words what Ritchie means to me but I’ll give it a go. This could end up a bit of a novel!”
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