"The best horse I've ever ridden" - Conor Swail's Count Me In retires from the sport

9 FEI Grand Prix victories and 56 top-three placings. For 3½ years, Count Me In and Conor Swail belonged to the world's best show jumping pairs – now Conor Swail is retiring his 18-year-old Count Me In from competition. 'The best horse I've ever ridden,’ is how Conor Swail describes his “Crosby” on Instagram.

Count Me In – “Crosby”

The 18-year-old Count Me In was bred by Friedrich Lüßmann and is a son of Contendro I offspring Count Grannus. His dam, Sunshine (Sherlock Holmes x Mahon), had already given birth to S.I.E.C. Lonnie two years earlier, another offspring successful at 1.60 m.

Until March 2021, the gelding was successfully competing with Canadian rider Beth Underhill before moving to Conor Swail. In July 2021, they made their debut in Tryon and won their first competition together with a victory.

This was followed by 3½ further highly successful years, 9 FEI Grand Prix victories, and 56 top 3 placings. During this time, Conor Swail was ranked among the top 4 in the world, and Count Me In was even ranked as the second-best horse in the world in 2022.

“Crosby” will spend his retirement in Darragh Cross, the hometown of Connor Swail.

Conor Swail describes his time with “Crosby” in moving words on Instagram and announces his retirement:

"Crosby-A horse I will always hold close to my heart. The best horse I’ve ever ridden. It has been such a privilege and an honour to have been your jockey these past 3.5 years.

We’ve accomplished an extraordinary amount of success together and I wish you the very best retirement.

🐴During our time together, Crosby brought me to number 4 in the world rankings.

🐴He took me to the biggest stages that showjumping has to offer.

🐴He jumped triple clear to help Team Ireland win the Aga Khan- something I’ve dreamt about since I was a kid.

🐴He took me to my first World Cup Finals where we finished 8th overall.

🐴He added our name to the prestigious Queens Cup trophy at Spruce Meadows.

🐴He was ranked the 2nd best horse in the world in 2022.

🐴We’ve had 9 FEI Grand Prix wins together and 56 podium finishes.

I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in Crosby’s career- keeping him in such good health, even at the age of 18.

I am very pleased to say that Crosby will be retiring in my home town of Darragh Cross at Mannon Farms. I can’t think of anyone who is more deserving of a happy and healthy retirement.

I will see you soon my friend🥕🐴"

Photo: Pferdefotografie Lafrentz