Before the contest of the Longines Grand Prix CSI 5*, the centre of Casas Novas was the scene of an emotional tribute to Carlo 273, ridden by Sergio Álvarez Moya (ESP) for the last five years, and which has stopped competing. With a hot ovation form the stands, the Asturian rider removed the saddle for the last time to put you on his back a blanket with the legend “Thank you Carlo”. Alvarez Moya said to be a “privileged” for sharing part of his career with him, which he described as “exceptional in every sense”.

Carlo 273 during the retirement ceremony

In the curriculum of the 17 year old grey Holsteiner gelding (Contender x Cascavelle) registered many victories both under the saddle of the Spaniard as well as Nick Skelton (GBR). The Brit rode Carlo to individual and team bronze medals at the 2011 European Championships in Madrid, Spain. Moya took over the reins in 2012 and guided the gelding to important victories: The Grand Prix CSI 5* at CSI Casas Novas – A Coruña in 2012. Their story of success continued at major events, finishing in 4th place at the 2013, winning the 2015 Grand Prix CSI 5* in Zurich, Switzerland, moreoever, a sixth-place finish at the  20157European Championships in Aachen.

Source: Press release from Oxersport

Photos: © Oxersport