Mumbai, January 24: India's Asian Games gold-winning rider Anush Agarwalla on Friday announced the end of a seven-year-old successful partnership with his horse Manni which 'retires' from competitive sport. Agarwalla, who won a gold medal in the dressage team event and a bronze in the individual event at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, bid an emotional farewell to his equine partner. He said Manni will "enter retirement" and will no longer compete. Paris Olympics 2024: Equestrian Anush Agarwalla Highlights Importance Of His Horse 'Sir Caramello' Ahead Of India’s First-Ever Individual Dressage Event at Summer Olympic Games.

"Manni gave me my many firsts -- my first Grand Prix, my first international Grand Prix, and my first international placings. He took me to the big international shows I had only dreamed of. But most importantly, he taught me how beautiful it is when a horse and rider completely trust each other."  Agarwalla said in an emotional video on Instagram.

The 19-year-old Manni played a key role in Agarwalla's rise in the equestrian world. From competing in prestigious Grand Prix events to gaining international recognition, Manni was crucial in shaping Agarwalla's career. Last year, the 25-year-year from Kolkata became the first Indian rider to compete in the dressage event in the Olympics during the Paris Games. Equestrian Paralympics Google Doodle: Search Engine Giant Reveals Latest Artwork for Paris Paralympic Games 2024.

Calling Manni his partner, teacher and a source of unwavering support, Agarwalla said, "Now it is your time to relax and enjoy the rest of your life the way you want to. I hope to enjoy your company for many, many years to come.

"You will always have a very special place in my heart. Thank you, Manni. You truly are the best."

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)