Camilla and Portersize Just A Jiff jump clear for sixth place at Les Etoiles De Pau
There are few horses in the world that can take a rider from Pony Club to the world’s biggest stage at the Olympic Games but Portersize Just A Jiff is one of those special horses
His rider and best friend, Camilla Speirs has announced the retirement of the pint sized Irish Sport Horse Just A Jiff but Jif will be giving a helping hand to his Irish mates next month. He will be making a last appearance at the Eventing Demo Tour in Ireland, supporting the fundraising for the Irish High-Performance Eventing athletes on their way to the World Equestrian Games in Tryon
“For 14 years I have had the privilege of working with a true legend” says Camilla “Taking me from Pony Club to Olympic Games, Jif and I have shared such a special partnership. Like in all sports, there have been ups and downs, but our journey has been simply incredible! We have travelled the world together and took on the biggest tracks in the sport. I owe him so much and appreciate all that he has done for me. At 18 years of age, he is still looking and feeling amazing and that is why we have decided to retire him this year as it is certainly what he deserves. We have chosen to announce his official retirement as part of the Eventing Demo Tour so that all his fans will have the opportunity to see my incredible star and cherish his amazing career.”
Standing at only 15.2, the Irish Sport Horse gelding (Crosskeys Rebel X Mizen Talent) started his international eventing career with Camilla in 2006, competing at CCI1* Junior level in Ballindenisk, followed by a win at the same level at Tattersalls just two months later.
In the same year, they competed at their first European Junior Eventing Championships in Necarne, followed by their second European Junior appearance together in Avenches in 2007 and competed at the WBFSH World Breeding Championships for Young Horses and the European Young Riders Eventing Championships in 2008 and 2009.
He didn't know he was only 15.2h! Ninth at Badminton 2016
As they continued to move up through the ranks, completing CCI3* and CCI4* events around the world, they encountered some of the toughest courses including the famous Badminton Horse Trials on five occasions, four Nations Cup appearances, two World Equestrian Games (Kentucky 2010 and Normandy 2014) and the London Olympics in 2012. Together they have accomplished 20 Top 10 International finishes and their best CCI4* result together was at Les Etoiles de Pau in 2016 where they took sixth place.
At Badminton 2016 they finished in ninth place, adding just 0.8 time penalties on cross country and jumping double clear on the final day. This is what Camilla told us after the cross country
Camilla
