CCI5* horse, Halltown Harley retires

Georgie Goss (nee Spence) has announced the retirement of her CCI5* ride, Halltown Harley this week.

The 17-year-old by Harlequin Du Carel has seen much success at the highest levels of eventing with multiple Badminton CCI5* completions and wins at CCI4*S and CCI4*L.  The gelding, affectionately known as Barbie, most notably travelled to Tokyo for the Olympic test event.  Finishing 4th and providing Team GBR valuable insights that supported their campaign to Olympic Gold in 2021.

Georgie Goss (nee Spence) has seen a successful eventing career representing Team GBR at all levels.  In early 2023 it was announced that Georgie would compete for Ireland, opting to honour her paternal heritage.

Georgie said:

“It is with huge sadness for the team, but excitement for his future, that we have decided to retire Harley from top-level competition.  He is fit and well, but the decision has been made to look for a younger rider to compete him in his latter years.  We want him to have fun and teach someone else the ropes.  We’ve had so much fun over the past 7-years and I’m forever grateful to Suzanne Doggett for the opportunities she has given me, via Harley.”

Halltown Harley was due to compete at Badminton CCI5* in 2022 but was withdrawn in the final days before the event, having sustained a minor injury in his final preparations at Kelsall Hill, where the pair finished 6th in the CCI3*S.  Despite making a good recovery, the pair withdrew ahead of Aston-le-Walls last weekend and ahead of Burgham International.

Halltown Harley’s most notable results:

• Team Gold Houghton Hall Nations Cup 2021
• Tokyo Test Event 2019 – 4th
• The Plains (USA) CCI4* 2018 – 2nd
• Millstreet (IRE) CCI4*L 2018 – 1st
• Weiner Neustadt (AUT) CCI4*S 2017 – 1st

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