More Inspiration (Morris), the OTTB gelding ridden with great success by Ontario native Holly Jacks-Smither at some of the biggest 4* and 5* events in the world, has been retired from upper-level competition. During their 13-year partnership the pair completed their first 4* at Kentucky in 2017 (26th), were 12th at Les Etoiles de Pau CCI5*-L in France in 2019 with a personal best dressage score, and this year placed 4th in the CCI4*-S at Stable View in Aiken, SC. Morris, who is owned by Holly and Bruce Smither, also claimed the award for the top-placing Thoroughbred when they finished fifth at Plantation Field International CCI4*-S in Sept. 2020.
In an April 20th post on her Facebook account, Jacks-Smither wrote:
“Today I had to make the hard decision of retiring my best friend from Upper level competition.
Morris was checked in to the Kentucky Horse Park and the vets at the in barn noticed a heart murmur.
After running more tests the decision was made to end his upper level career.
Morris, thank you for being my constant. You have been with me through thick and thin. You took me from a gallop girl to a 5 star event rider. We travelled the globe, attending Aachen Nations Cup, the 5 star at Pau France and of course the Rolex Kentucky.
You taught me that 5 star horses don’t need to be fancy and well bred. They can have crooked legs, sway backs and huge hearts.
To say I’m totally heartbroken is an understatement; however I am so thankful that the team at Kentucky found this and he is going to be ok.
Thank you to everybody who has been part of this 13-year journey, what a wild ride it has been!”
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