Vermiculus, otherwise known as “Bug” had a fantastic official retirement ceremony between the show jumping break at the 2026 Defender Kentucky 3 Day CCI4*/5* Event at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. He came cantering into the Rolex Stadium with a few hops, skips, and rears, showing that a 19 year old Anglo-Arabian may have felt a bit let down that he didn’t get his go on course this year. Instead, he got the American version of a Royal Celebration.
The crowds roared and photographers all herded onto their media areas to take pictures for this event. Bug was lovin’ it! Said to be bubbly and a ham that’s too smart sometimes, he soaked in all the attention as he made his final canter around the arena, coming to halt in front of a long line of people waiting to commemorate him & his rider, Lauren Nicholson Kieffer, who had brought him along from being green broke to an international multi-CCI5*-L champion.
He stood for the ceremonies and hugs people gave to Lauren until she dismounted for the final time. The saddle and bridle were officially removed, honoring his retirement, and a large wreath of leaves with flowers in it was put around his neck.
Aloha goodbye? To 5* Events, yes. But Aloha! To a new sort of life that’s much easier on his body too. It’s time for the greener pastures for this little engine that could—and DID!
Vermiculus sired by Sazeram, a Canadian bred Arabian Stallion aged 31 owned by Lawson Williams. Vermiculus was out of a Thoroughbred mare, Wake Me Gently. He was born in Southern California on Lawson’s farm, but raised in Virginia. Williams was just a hobby breeder, not really “trying” to breed any specific horse, but he did manage to produce other famous offspring that were great on the track, as well as in eventing. Speaking of which, Lauren Nicholson also brought Vermiculus’ brother along showing him from a novice level to CCI5* events.
Lauren had been riding Bug since he was a 2 year old, and brought him up with the guidance and coaching of the O’Conners, for whom she had ridden and trained with, as well as having been a working student since a young age. The pair, Bug and Nicholson had a wonderful 10 year long eventing career together. He was always smaller and daintier than all the big warmbloods, thoroughbreds, and sport horse breeds in the 5* sport, but his attitude and drive for it was larger than life.
What he lacked in physical substance, Bug had the greatest “go get em!” and “look what I can do!” attitude! He loved to ham it up, and could never wait to hear loud roars from the crowd. It took him until he started 5* before anyone ever cheered him on, so when it was his turn, BOY WAS HE READY!
After the tack was officially taken off, a cooler was put on (it was HOT that day) and he was given treats, a cake with carrots as candles, and Lauren hugged countless people.
A trophy and gifts were awarded to them, and the crowd cheered loudly one last time as the pair walked side by side out of the stadium. Such a tribute to a horse that no one thought would even place in a 5* event!
Their accomplishments:
- 42 FEI events
- 7 CCI5*-L Events
- 2018: DEBUT at the K3DE5*-L placing 5th
- 2019: K3DE5* placing 9th
- 2019: Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials CCI5*-L placed 9th overall, making them the highest placing US horse & rider combination
- 2022: Longiness Luhmühlen CCI5*-L Horse Trials placed 10th
- 2022: FEI Eventing World Championships, Pratoni, Italy rode the CCI5*-L representing the US Eventing Team winning the Silver Medal.🥈
- 2024: Defender K3DE5*-L placing 5th overall, winning the USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship as the highest placing American Combination.🏆
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