Steve Guerdat & Nino des Buissonnets Ph. ©Tiffany Van Halle
“Merci Nino!” was the heartfelt phrase that was printed, painted and waved by the adoring fans of Nino des Buissonnets as show jumping fans young and old helped send off Steve Guerdat’s famous partner into retirement in a beautiful tribute to the 15-year-old gelding’s long-standing, successful career following his last international appearance in the Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva Sunday evening on December 11th.
Amidst family, friends, team members, and fellow riders, an emotional Steve Guerdat spoke with reverence about the privilege of having ridden one of the most impressive horses that the equestrian sport has ever seen and the importance of closing out the horse’s career in the sport while at the peak of his performance.
With every seat filled and not a dry eye in the place, all in the arena watched as Guerdat removed his saddle, marking the conclusion of Nino des Buissonnets’ participation in international competition.
With his trademark tongue hanging out of the side of his mouth, Nino stayed true to his eccentric personality right until the very last lap around Geneva’s Palexpo Arena. The sport will miss such an incredible talent.