The stunning stallion retired to stud in 2003, and had since been ridden by Kate Carter who owned and bred him.

According to Carl, ‘Otto’ had been suffering with laminitis off and on for a few years, and it was “getting to the uncomfortable stage” so the hard decision was made to have him euthanised.

Carl and Otto enjoyed a very successful career together, winning 12 out of 17 international classes.

“He was the undisputed king of the small tour level,” said Carl. “He didn’t make it to top flight grand prix, but he was extremely beautiful and had such presence that he had a big following.”

written by nikki phelan

Jonathan was the highest placed American rider in both the olympics and paralympic at London 2012, finishing fourth in the grade 1b individual test and fifth in the freestyle riding NTEC Richter Scale.

It was the pair’s first Paralympics but the talented combination competed at the world championships in 2010, and won the United States Equestrian Foundation national para-equestrian championship the following year.

James and Tina Wentz posted the tragic news of the death of their son, who was born with cerebral palsy, on his facebook page.

written by nikki phelan

The 24 year old had been suffering from Lymphangitis since last year,and it was advised he should be put to sleep.
Mary said on her Facebook page that she was “so sad that dear Solly had to be put down”.
The pair had great success during their years together, although Mary didn’t expect “such a sweetheart” to ever become a four star ride.

written by nikki phelan

Congratulations to the British Equestrian Squad for securing a silver medal in the eventing, and gold medals in the dressage and showjumping events.

written by nikki phelan

Dressage wonder horse Totilas is out of contention for the London Olympic Games.
It was announced at Aachen CHIO today that his rider, Matthias Rath has had a relapse of the glandular fever that prevented the pair from appearing at the show.

written by nikki phelan

Olympic medal-winning eventer Amy Tryon died in her sleep yesterday (12 April).

The American, who won a team gold medal from the World Games in Jerez in 2002, bronze in the team eventing at the 2004 Athens Games and also was on the US team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was just 42.

written by nikki phelan

Please be aware an advertiser has recieved a hoax/scam e mail from an individual overseas, expressing an interest in her horse,which was advertised on my site.
The individual was from Sweden and asked only a few relevant questions about the horse, and then proceeded to discuss the shipping and payment details for the purchase of the horse. These people are just after your personal details and bank details.

written by nikki phelan

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.

written by nikki phelan

Matthias Rath’s top grand prix horse Totilas suffered a minor injury to his foreleg while training on Wednesday (30 November).

But a prompt veterinary investigation has shown that there is no serious injury and no strain to the suspensory ligament.

Matthias said: “We need to see over the coming days how the healing process develops.”

The pair is expected to compete at the 2011 CDI-W Frankfurt later this month.

“I hope I can still start in Frankfurt. I’m very connected to the tournament and I have been looking forward to going into the arena with [Totilas] for weeks,” said Matthias.

On Monday night Totilas had appeared in a live performance on the German TV channel Hessian Broadcasting.

written by nikki phelan

Eric Lamaze: Partnered Hickstead

TOP SHOWJUMPING HORSE DIES

Showjumping’s reigning Olympic champion horse Hickstead has died at a World Cup event in Verona, Italy.

Hickstead, the mount of Canadian star Eric Lamaze, had just completed its round when it collapsed.

The 15-year-old stallion was one of showjumping’s most successful horses, taking Olympic gold with Lamaze in Hong Kong three years ago, and winning countless grands prix and Nations Cup events worldwide.

As a mark of respect, riders and organisers decided not to continue with the competition, which was the fourth of this season’s World Cup series qualifiers.

A statement released by show organisers read: “As he was leaving the arena after his successful jumping round, Hickstead, the horse ridden by Canadian Eric Lamaze, suddenly collapsed.

“The veterinary services were immediately in attendance, but unfortunately the horse was already dead. An autopsy to determine the cause of death is scheduled in the coming days.

“The organising committee were fully supportive of the request of the riders not to continue the competition and would like to express their affection and love towards one of the greatest horses in the history of the sport and his rider Eric Lamaze.”

Former British number one Ben Maher, who was among the competitors in Verona, said on Facebook: “The loss of Hickstead has saddened all of us here.

“As a mark of respect to Hickstead and Eric, the riders and organisers decided not to proceed with the show and held a minute’s silence.

“Hickstead was truly one of the greatest showjumpers of all time.”

written by nikki phelan