The 15-year-old was the only horse Leslie brought with him when he imigrated to America at the end of 2005 and he competed there in 2006. Shear L'Eau will live out his retirement at Leslie's yard — like many eventers in America, Leslie splits his time between Florida and Virginia.

"He is well aware of his seniority in the barn and seems to like hassling our younger horses," said Leslie. "I will still ride him from time to time as he seems to enjoy it — he certainly loves trying to buck me off and annoy me!"

As well as winning the individual gold and team silver medals at the Athens Olympics in 2004, "Stan" was also fourth at the Punchestown Europeans in 2003, when he was on the gold medal-winning British team. He was fifth at Burghley in 2003 and twice in the top 10 at Kentucky.

"In some ways, it is very sad as I don't think mentally he wants to retire," said Leslie. "Up until recently he has been jumping with as much life and energy as he has ever done. "It is the end to a big and important chapter of my life. However, every horse will eventually retire and I am happy that he can retire healthy and having accomplished so much."

Shear L'Eau's full-brother, Leslie's other top campaigner Shear H2O, is now 17 years old and enjoying his retirement from eventing with commentator Justin Llewellyn's wife, Claire.

Courtesy of Britain's Horse and Hound

EventingVa.com

Leslie is based in Virginia during the Summer and Fall months in the beautiful Bluemont Moutains area at a farm shared with Canadin eventer Lesley Grant. Together they split their time between Bluemont and Florida. You can find out more about them both by visiting their website at www.leslielaweventing.com.