During the ECCO FEI World Championships Herning 2022, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour enters the arena for the last time with 19-year-old Atterupgaard’s Cassidy. The chestnut gelding kickstarted Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour’s impressive international career, and now it is the end of an era. Cassidy retires from the sport during a heart-warming show on Monday evening, August 8.
Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour’s parents Mona and Peter Dufour bought the chestnut gelding Atterupgaard’s Cassidy for Cathrine when she was 17 years old. Cassidy was just a 6-year-old gelding and the two of them have been an item on the international Dressage scene ever since. Numerous medals and prestigious victories are the results of their partnership.
During Herning2022, we say goodbye to Atterupgaard’s Cassidy, as he leaves the international Dressage stage as a 19-year-old. Cassidy is still fit and sound, he will love to perform with Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour in front of the audience.
“It’s going to be very emotional for me, and I cannot quite understand that it will be my last ride with Cassidy in front of an enthusiastic audience – which he loves. I hope he gets the farewell he very much deserves, ”says Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour. Just talking about the retirement ceremony during the FEI World Championships in Herning brings tears to Cathrine’s eyes.
Cassidy is the “horse of the heart”, as she refers to him.
An international sensation
Together with Cassidy, Cathrine won eleven European Championship medals as a junior and young rider before the combination made their international senior debut in the fall of 2015. Cathrine and Cassidy were selected for the Olympics in Rio in 2016, less than a year after their international Grand Prix debut. They finished in 13th place at the 2016 Olympic Games.
The following year, Cathrine and Cassidy became an international sensation as they stood alongside German Isabell Werth and Sönke Rothenberger on the European Championship podium after winning double individual bronze and team silver for Denmark
She and Cassidy were among the favourites for the podium ahead of the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA, but were unable to travel when Cassidy was injured in the paddock.
The pair were back on top in 2019 and scored victories at Herning CDI5 * and Aachen CDI4 * before taking individual bronze in the Grand Prix Special at the European Championships in Rotterdam.
Fans all over the world
A unique journey will come to an end for Cassidy and Cathrine at the FEI World Championships in Herning. Together they have experienced many special moments. They have a large and enthusiastic fan base, which extends far beyond the Danish border, due to the lightness, elegance, and harmony the dynamic duo radiates in the dressage arena.
The audience and Herning2022 say goodbye at a time when Cassidy is still in training, fit and happy. He will no longer perform in the spotlight at championships and international competitions. It will be an emotional and tearful goodbye. And it will be a very special experience to see Cathrine and Cassidy in the dressage arena for the last time.
The farewell will take place on Monday 8 August immediately after the medal ceremony of the World Championships in the Grand Prix Special. After this, Cassidy will go home to the equestrian centre in Fredensborg with Cathrine and Rasmine Laudrup-Dufour, to enjoy his retirement in the paddock and in his usual box. Put a napkin in your pocket, wave farewell or wipe a tear from the corner of your eyes, when it is time to say goodbye.
Read more
/Herning2022
