McLain Ward’s golden Olympic partner, Sapphire, has been retired.

Together the pair won two Team gold medals (in 2004 and 2008), Team silver at the 2006 World Equestrian Games, the 200 CN International and the 2010 Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, among many other victories.

Sapphire competed at the Winter Equestrian Festival this year following a year-long rest after sustaining a ligament injury last spring, and she and Ward were long-listed for the 2012 London Olympics.

Efforts will now be focused on breeding the mare.