Some horses come into your life and become part of your story.
Some horses become the story itself.
Cash came to me as a 3.5-year-old, after I had taken a longer break from the sport after leaving Schockemöhle and moving to Sweden. I found him in Germany, and from the first moment I saw him, I knew there was something special. It was love at first sight.
Because of Cash, I found my way back to the sport. Because of Cash, I believed again. Together we travelled from Sweden to the biggest stages in Dubai and competed at the highest international level.
The results are almost impossible to count. International placements, World Cup qualifiers, 2*, 3*, 4* and 5* competitions. His clear round percentage was extraordinary — close to 98%. But the numbers are only a small part of the story.
Cash was not only a great sport horse. He was a once-in-a-lifetime horse.
After Grandino, the incredible horse I had while riding with Schockemöhle 10 years, I honestly thought I would never experience another horse that could bring me close to the Olympic dream again. But Cash proved me wrong. He qualified for the Olympics twice and gave me memories I will carry forever.
His talent was special, but his heart was even more special. He always gave everything. He trusted me, and together we achieved things I once only dreamed about.
His last international show was in February 2025, at 19 years old, finishing 4th in a 145 Grand Prix. A beautiful ending to an extraordinary competition career.
But Cash’s story did not end there.
Today, at 21 years old, he is still enjoying life. He loves his desert rides, his treadmill, his seawalker and the freedom of his paddock. Mohamed is taking wonderful care of him, and I am still there every day — handwalking him, brushing him and looking after him like the champion he is.
Many show organisers wanted to celebrate him and give him the retirement ceremony he deserved. But for me, Cash was never about showing off. I never needed a big moment in the arena to prove what he means to me.
He is not a memory from the past.
He is part of my everyday life.
Cash is in my heart, with me every day. He is the light that greets me every morning, and I hope he will stay beside me for many more years.
I am forever grateful to this incredible horse. He brought me back to the sport in the modern era and gave me a journey I could never have imagined.
Some horses are talented.
Some horses are champions.
But only a few become once in a lifetime.
Cash will forever be one of those.
Anita/ForCash2