Brett Parbery and Rabbit and the 2018 World Equestrian Games

© FEI

By Brett Parbery

It is with a heavy heart that I let you know about the passing of DP Weltmieser.

Bred in Australia by Susie Duddy and her parents Brian and Barbara Marheine as part of their Hunter Valley breeding program, DP Weltmieser was nicknamed Rabbit when, lying down as a foal, all Susie could see of him through the grass were his ears sticking up like a rabbit.

As he developed and progressed through the levels, Rabbit went on to become a significant figure in Australian dressage – taking me to two Australian Grand Prix Championships and then to World Equestrian Games in Tryon last year where we represented Australia and came 32nd overall and 8th as a team.

Brett Parbery and DP Weltmieser, winners of the GP Freestyle 

© Franz Venhaus

Following WEG, Rabbit made the US his new home as he was sold to a lovely amatuer rider Christina Morin. Christina gave Rabbit the perfect home. They were a wonderful combination and had great success competing at Prix St George and Inter I. Training with Silva Martin, Christina and Rabbit were in peak condition and were putting the finishing touches on the Grand Prix in preparation for their first ‘big tour’ start together. As Christina said to me recently, Rabbit was ‘the horse of her lifetime’.

Brett Parbery riding the wonderful DP Weltmieser

Sadly, at 17 years old, Rabbit passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in his stable this week.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to Christina on losing her dancing partner, and to the Duddy and Marheine families for their loss.

Rabbit was a larger-than-life figure in the Parbery world. Mel, Jake and I are heartbroken to know he is no longer with us. RIP Rabbit.
 

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