PORTMORE Equestrian Centre and Bluegrass Horse Feed teamed up to host a heartfelt ceremony celebrating the retirement of Suzanne Posnett’s legendary show jumping horse, Karmijn, affectionately known as Minnie.

At the age of 32, Minnie has stepped back from her distinguished competitive career in a fitting tribute at the very venue where she had earned numerous victories. The event marked the end of an era for this extraordinary mare, whose legacy in the show jumping world will continue to be cherished.

Remarkable career

Born in 1992, Minnie is a true testament to the strength and stamina of show jumping horses. Despite her age, she maintained an incredible level of talent and success throughout her career. Minnie and Suzanne Posnett joined forces in 2005 and their partnership quickly became one of the most successful in the sport. Their bond was evident from the start, with their first major competition together marking an unforgettable moment. On their debut outing, they triumphed in the 1.20m class at Cavan Equestrian Centre, signalling the start of a long and successful journey.

Minnie became known for her speed and agility, establishing herself as a specialist in 1.20m speed classes. Her remarkable reflexes and consistency earned her 1,570 ShowJumping Ireland (SJI) points over the years, reflecting her skill and love for competition. Even as she aged, Minnie continued to perform at a high level. At 32, she defied expectations by winning a 1.10m class at Portmore earlier this year, a stunning achievement for a mare of her age, capping off her career with one final victory.

Suzanne Posnett’s mare Karmijn retired during a special ceremony at Portmore Equestrian Centre’s Winter Championships \ Sporting Images NI

Icon in the ring

Throughout her career, Minnie’s powerful presence in the ring captivated spectators and she was always a formidable competitor, consistently delivering top performances. She became a fan favourite, thrilling audiences with her speed, precision and heart.

After an outstanding career, Minnie now enters a well-earned retirement. While she may no longer compete at the highest level, her influence on the sport and the Posnett family remains strong.

In retirement, Minnie will still play a pivotal role within the Posnett family. Suzanne’s daughter, Ella, will now take over the reins and Minnie will be there to help teach her the ropes.

With her vast experience and wisdom, Minnie will pass on her knowledge to the next generation, continuing to inspire and guide Ella as she follows in her mother’s footsteps.