New Delhi, June 26 -- Anush Agarwalla, India's first-ever Olympian in equestrian dressage, on Thursday announced the retirement of his iconic horse, Sir Caramello, marking the close of a historic era for Indian equestrian sport.

The duo etched their names in history at the Paris Olympics, where they became the first Indian rider-horse pair to compete in dressage on the Olympic stage.

Anush took to his social media to share the emotional announcement, posting a heartfelt tribute to Sir Caramello -- the horse who carried him and the nation to a sporting first.

"My dearest Caramello, You have been more than a horse -- my partner, my strength, and my greatest teacher. You carried not just my dreams, but the nation's dreams, and gave me you...