Equestrian: Master of jump-offs retires

Top New Zealand showjumper John Cottle is retiring from the sport.

Cottle, 56, has represented New Zealand at the Olympics twice, trained and produced six Olympic horses, ridden at world championships and world cup finals, won six Horse of the Year titles and 11 grand prix rider of the year crowns.

But the master of jump-offs has decided it is time to call it a day.

Cottle, who first represented New Zealand in 1971, says his body gave him the message to step down.

The Aucklander says he is happy with his accomplishments.

"I have had a fantastic life with horses. They have taken me all around the world. I have dined with the Queen, met fantastic people and had a magical time."

He plans to continue teaching.

"I just want to get my breath back and concentrate on our new business venture."

With wife Jackie and sons Andrew, James and Willie, he is involved with a bar and restaurant the family has revamped in Papakura.

Cottle says New Zealand riders are as good as any on the world stage, but the lack of top quality horses makes the difference.

However, he said, New Zealand was making slow but steady progress.

It was important that talented people had the opportunity and encouragement to head offshore to really test themselves.

Cottle has also stepped down as chairman of the young rider selectors, and as a member of the high performance and planning and development committees.

Fellow competitor Merran Hain says the sport has lost a great competitor.

"There's no doubt about it - he was the absolute master of jump-offs. We will all miss that."

- NZPA