Simone and Destano following their Team Qualifying test in Paris. Image: Michelle Terlato Photography
Simone Pearce has today announced that 17 year old Destano will be retired from top sport following tomorrow’s team final in Paris.
Sharing to Instagram, Simone said:
“With a heart completely full of so many emotions, we have decided that tomorrow will be my best friend Destanos final dance in the big sport arena.
While he is completely fit and healthy and still loving his show life, I feel like at the age of 17 he is such an absolute legend that deserves to finish his sports career on the highest of highs. What better way to celebrate him than to dance in this magical arena, in front of the world, in the team final of our second Olympic Games together!
He is my absolute heart horse and after so much success together; two Olympic Games, 4 Australian records, second in the 5* of Aachen, I feel like I owe it to him, to give him the send off from the big sport that he truly deserves. To let him go out in style and full of celebration!
I really hope that everyone watching can cheer for him and send him all the love and admiration he deserves on this very special day!”
Destano will continue to base at Simone’s stable. The pair are due to make a special public appearance with Team Sprehe later in the year.
Closing the announcement, Simone shared:
“I think there comes a time in every sportsman’s career where they deserve to be immortalized and honored in all their glory. I don’t think any horse deserves to be celebrated more than Destano. With his heart of absolute gold and his ability to make dreams come true. He is my horse of a life time, my best friend and forever my dance partner.”
