The curtain call for Christian Ahlmann’s (GER) Taloubet Z was announced last Monday because the German’s long-time partner at the top of the sport will be retired from showjumping this weekend during the Partner Pferd CSI 5*-W in Leipzig, Germany.

The 18-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood stallion (Galoubet A x Polydor) was ridden by Judy-Ann Melchior at an early age but moved on to Ahlmann whom he carried to several major victories, the main ones being:

2010 World Cup – Oslo CSI 5*-W
2010 World Cup – Helsinki CSI 5*-W
2010 World Cup Grand Prix – Helsinki CSI 5*-W
2011 Hermès Grand Prix of Paris CSI 5*
2011 World Cup Final – Leipzig CSI 5*-W
2011 LGCT of Estoril CSI 5*
2012 World Cup Leipzig – CSI 5*-W
2012 Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final – Geneva CSI 5*
2013 World Cup – Madrid CSI 5*-W
2013 World Cup – Mechelen CSI 5*-W
2016 World Cup – Stuttgart CSI 5*-W
2016 Nations Cup Final – Barcelona CSIO 5*

Christian Ahlmann (GER) & Taloubet Z

Christian also chose the stallion to be his mount for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, a partnership that resulted into a Team Jumping Bronze Medal.

Taloubet will spend his retirment as one of the stallions for the famous Zangersheide​ Studbook in Lanaken, Belgium.

Ahlmann released the following statement on his Facebook page:

“It’s time for your 18 years. You jump your last tournament in Leipzig, where you won the world cup final in 2011, and won two more big prizes.”

“I am very pleased that we can make you top fit and still at the highest level, in which more than earned retirement can be sent. It was a happiness for me, though not always easy to go with your way. All these years it was always fascinating to feel what’s inside you. The speed, fighting spirit and quality are just abnormal. But your balanced, loving way is absolutely unique.”

“I am very grateful to the Zangersheide Stud, the Melchior family for entrusting you to me. I was always allowed to use you in a sporty way, as I thought it was right, without regard to your breeders
I would like to thank everyone who took care of you all these years, and ensured that you were always good.”

“I very much hope that we will have a nice finish on Sunday and wish you to enjoy your pension on the pasture in Lanaken for many years and also have many children in the world who possess your genius.”

Taloubet Z

Sources: Edited statement by Christian Ahlmann​ / Data: FEI – Fédération Equestre Internationale​

Photos: © Zangersheide