Opposition Buzz retires from top level eventing

Nicola Wilson has retired her top eventer Opposition Buzz from the ‘rigours’ offour-star competition.

Unconventional

Known for his somewhat exuberant jumping style, the17-year-old gelding won numerous medals during his career, most recently helping Team GB secure silver at the London 2012 Olympics.

‘Dodi’ was part of the gold medal-winning team at the European eventing championships at Fontainebleau in 2009 and the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010. He was picked once again for the 2011 eventing championships at Luhmuhlen, where the team won bronze.

Ugly duckling

Nicola and Dodi also enjoyed considerable individual success at four-star level, with seven top 11 placings, including seventh at Badminton in 2007 and 11th at Burghley last year.

“We owe him everything,” said Nicola. “Who would have thought the ‘ugly duckling’ that he was as a foal would turn into a ‘swan’ – but he did.”

Very special

The horse is still fit and well, coming second in the advanced at Burgham last weekend (29-30 March), however, Nicola and Rosemary decided to retire Dido from the “rigours” of four-star competition. Hewill now only compete at advanced and three-star level, so he can “enjoy doing what he loves the most, and that is going cross country”.

“We have a responsibility to do what is right by Dodi as he is so very special to us all,” said Nicola. “To be part of the British senior eventing team on four occasions including two European Championships, one World Equestrian Games and one Olympic games and through the support of so many, including UK Sport, he has medalled at them all.”