Kent Farrington’s 17-year-old mount Gazelle was officially retired from sport on Saturday evening, February 11, in a ceremony at Wellington International during the Fidelity Investments® CSI5* Grand Prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.
During their storied career together, Farrington and Gazelle – owned by Robin Parsky – enjoyed victories across the globe. Their trophy case includes: winner Grand Prix of Aachen in 2019, winner Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva in 2017, and twice winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows in 2017 and 2016.
Gazelle (Kashmir van Shuttershof X Indoctro) and Farrington also led the victory gallop during the Fidelity Investments® Grand Prix in 2017, making Saturday a poetically appropriate evening to celebrate the mare’s successes and healthy retirement.
With great admiration to Gazelle, Parsky noted, “After 10 years of extraordinary accomplishments at the most prestigious show jumping events in the world, it was a difficult decision for Kent and me to have Gazelle leave her sporting career, but I am delighted to report that she is in terrific condition, and she will be heading for a well-deserved life of green pastures and sunshine.
“Kent and I had a great experience here in 2017 when Gazelle won the Fidelity [Investments®] Grand Prix, so we decided that we would let her retire at the top of her game here. To be able to have her fans thank her and know how much we appreciate her, that is what we wanted. Thank you to all of Wellington and everyone here at WEF for helping us do this wonderful tribute to an incredible horse.”
Throughout the mare’s international career, Gazelle grossed over $4 million in prize money and represented the U.S. at the Tokyo Olympic Games and the 2015 Toronto Pan American Games with Farrington in the irons. Gazelle was also honored with the International Horse of the Year title by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in 2020.
“I’m obviously very proud of her results,” said Farrington. “Thank you to Robin and my team and all the people who have been a part of her journey. She made me a better rider and a better horseman, and for that I’m probably the most grateful.”
The entire team at Wellington International wishes Gazelle a collective congratulations on an exceptional sport career and expresses their sincere thanks for all the thrilling moments.
