We caught up with Allison Springer to chat about her longtime partner Arthur, who will be retired from the sport of eventing this weekend at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. The pair will perform an exhibition farewell dressage test one last time in Rolex Stadium after the final dressage test on Friday afternoon.

What does it feel like to come back here with Arthur one last time?

It’s pretty amazing to be here. You’d never know anything has changed with [Arthur]. He’s really fit and ready for this event … he thinks he’s here for a reason, and he’s pretty excited to be here.

What’s your favorite Rolex memory with Arthur?

The first time I brought him here to Kentucky, the feeling that first time of going through the finish flags on cross country was pretty amazing. His first year here he jumped around clean. I have pictures  at the coffin with my butt above my head, and somehow [I] stayed on. That coffin has always tortured us here. So that was a great first year. 

Certainly 2012 was huge. That was his best finish ever. He was second here and he’s not an easy horse. I think we all know that. He’s taught me so much and through all the joys and certainly some heartbreak, he’s always just been my friend and my constant in my life. So I’m pretty blessed to be here.

What’s next for Arthur?

So this weekend he’s obviously retiring from eventing. He’s not officially retiring. He’s fit and healthy and has the thumbs-up to do dressage and show jumping and what not. I thought it would be fun to do some dressage. Maybe try some Prix St. George. I’ve never competed at a high level of dressage and that would be a great learning experience for me and he’s very capable.

[I will] just enjoy him, he’s a love in the barn. He’s a great a friend and I’m happy to have him for many years to come.