Still Young At Heart: Richard Spooner’s Cristallo Retires In Top Form

Richard Spooner & Cristallo Ph. Bret St. Clair Photography

Decorated U.S. rider Richard Spooner announced via his official Facebook page on February 17, that his longtime partner, Cristallo (Caretino x Cicero) would be retired from the sport of show jumping.

“We have decided to retire Cristallo. At 20 yrs old he is still the wildest horse I have. He is strong and sound. He can now spend his days with 30-year-old Robinson and the goat. I sure will miss showing him. What an amazing animal.”

Spooner, who has developed the Holsteiner gelding since he was a 6-year-old, has amassed a resume of elite level results under their partnership including, five World Cup Final appearances with a 7th placing in Geneva in 2010.

Together, Cristallo and Spooner have also represented the United States in multiple senior championship events, contributing to the Nations Cup wins of Calgary in 2008 and 2011, and Rome and Sankt Gallen in 2009.

One of the most formidable pairs on the international circuit in their day, they also recorded five-star grand prix wins in La Coruna, Monte Carlo, Rome, Wellington, and three consecutive Nexen Derby CSI5* wins at Spruce Meadows.

With his horse shoes officially pulled, Cristallo is set to live out the rest of his days on the Spooner family’s farm in Agua Dulce, California. We send the best wishes for a long and happy retirement to the memorable Cristallo!

More on Spooner and Cristallo’s illustrious career together and how he was still able to successfully campaign an aging talent up until his final curtain call, here.