Kasey Perry-Glass announced the retirement of her long-time partner, Dublet, on the day she thought she’d be riding him down centerline at the Olympics in Tokyo “for one final freestyle as a competitive pair.”
The 17-year-old Danish-bred son of Diamond Hit was part of the U.S. 2016 Olympic bronze medal team and the 2018 world championships silver medal team.
Kasey explained on Facebook that her heart is both heavy and joyful. Here is what she said about how for nearly a decade, Dublet affected her life and that of everyone around her.
As she put it, “He has given all of us inspiration, hope, love, beauty, and a sense of belief that everything and anything is possible. He has taught me to listen to my gut and I’ve learned to listen to what is best for HIM.
“We have been through so many ups and downs, countries, stadiums, award ceremonies, and quiet one-on-one times together. It is hard for me to believe that this chapter of our journey is closing, but it calms my heart knowing that another chapter is opening in our relationship. I am so excited to take what Dublet has taught me and apply it to a pipeline of future horses!
Kasey and Dublet. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
“When I look back on our journey I see more than just his accolades and the ones he has given me. I see a horse with a huge heart to please, love, and try his hardest in everything he does. He doesn’t owe me anything and now I owe him the best retirement a horse deserves! I have come to the conclusion that pursuing another year at the elite level is not in his best interest. Representing the USA has been one of the greatest honors of our partnership. We never took it for granted and did it with Pride.
“Obviously, this is a lot harder for me than it is for him; he thinks he has the life with all-day turnout and easy rides. Horses teach us to take our own ambition and greed and put it to the side.
“Everyone knows that to get to where we’ve gone, it takes a VILLAGE. These people below have each had a part in where Dublet and I are today. NONE of this would have been possible without each person’s sacrifice, belief, and heart into Team Believe. My gratitude exceeds past these names to everyone who has supported my partnership and journey with Dublet. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
People she thanked included Dana Glass, her husband; her parents, her grandparents and Dana’s; trainer Christophe and Marie Theallet and Spokane Family; trainer/coach Debbie McDonald and River Grove Family, former coach Robert Dover, Helgstrand Dressage, Anette Ejlersgaard, Anne Gribbons, Juan Matute, veterinarian Dr. Rick Mitchell and Julie Keith Mitchell, as well as other veterinarians–Dr. Carole Holland, Dr. John Herning, Dr. Dave McDonald,Dr. Cricket Russillo,Tom Meyers and Dr. Jen Gullupo; Christie Dreessen and Aldo,Teddy Rékai-Nuttall; Lovell Fink, Jace Abbott; Steve Lorenzo and Tino for horseshoeing, James D. Burrell,Katherine Lyons, Hallye Griffin of USEF, Jenny Van Wieren Page, physio Andy Thomas, Kathleen McMannis;Sara Smith, Lauren Standridge McNabb,Cassie Benson, Meghan Laffin,Tomi Frate-Peterson and Jessica Cloyd Duane, Jim and Robin Bosler, as well asTom Hunt.
Also, Dutta Corp (all the amazing ladies! Especially Emilia Martin for making Dublet’s flights the best).
Teammates over the years: Steffen Peters, Allison Brock, Laura Graves, Adrienne Lyle, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, Shelly Francis, Kim Herslow,Sabine Schut-Kery,Katherine Bateson.
Sponsors: Equipe Saddles, USA Triple Crown Feed, Platimum Performance, Neue Schule, TheraPlate, Ltd Bridle2fit, EquiFUSE Sport, Innovation Owl Manor, Roeckl Equestrian, Brooke USA, Marise Bags, Respond Laser,Parlanti USA Exclusive Custom Riding Boots