Erin Sylvester, of Unionville, PA, announced today that her long time partner and the 2014 USEA horse of the year, No Boundaries, will officially retire from competition. 

No Boundaries, “Bucky”, has had a decorated career with Erin in the stirrups since she purchased the Trakehner/Thoroughbred gelding in 2007, originally to be a resale project. After quickly making it to the preliminary level, Bucky showed promise to be an upper level horse. With a sense of humor which earned him his affectionate nickname, Bucky never missed a spring or fall CCI from the time he completed his first CCI2* in 2010, until this year, demonstrating his passion for his job.

In 2012, Erin and Bucky turned a few heads with a thirteenth place finish at their first CCI4* competition. In 2014, the duo had a standout season, with highlights including a second place finish at the Jersey Fresh CCI3*, a fourth place finish at the Bromont CCI3*, and other successful competitions, all culminating with a sixth place finish at the Pau CCI4* in France.

Erin has nothing but praise for her long time partner saying, “I can honestly say Bucky has loved competing at the upper levels and I am very sad to see the end of his career, as I have dreaded this day. However, I am glad to be able to retire him on my farm where he can enjoy his years, and hopefully teach his younger pasture mates the ropes.”

Erin, who is now looking to purchase some additional young horses to fill Bucky’s shoes, has appreciated being able to share Bucky’s journey with co-owner Jill Tallman. “I can not thank Jill enough for supporting Bucky through so many achievements. I would also like to thank everyone who has cared for him, endured his face punches, tolerated his feral behavior, cheered us on, and been involved in his incredible career. And of course, I would like to thank Bucky for all he has done, and for the many wonderful memories we have shared,” said Erin.

 Click here to view a tribute video for Bucky put together by Tori Kager.