Kate Taylor-Wheat and Oscar B out competing

© Roger Fitzhardinge

By Roger Fitzhardinge

Oscar B, owned and ridden by Kate Taylor-Wheat, has passed away after a sudden and serious bout of colic. Oscar B was healthy all his life, until earlier this week when out of the blue, he became ill.

Oscar was a beautiful headed and magnificently built brown, Dutch-bred and imported gelding by Zeoliet. Kate fell in love with him and he was purchased from Mary Hanna as a four year old. Kate’s father Graham bought Oscar, and he was always the favourite. He turned heads from his initial competition and continued to do so throughout his career, being advanced champion at the Sydney CDI and showing talent all the way through the grades to Grand Prix.

Beautiful Oscar B

© Roger Fitzhardinge

Kate took Oscar to Germany and trained over there with him for several months before returning to Australia with him, where they shone in the Grand Prix, and were even considered as a Beijing Olympic hopeful! However, Oscar B was considered to be a little green at that stage and lacked experience at the Grand Prix.

His changes were a highlight, as they were so uphill and consisted of great expression and cadence. In fact, Oscar could do amazing work in all of the Grand Prix movements, but he was a quirky guy when it came to competitions. He could have been considered to be a little introverted, so when it came to showing off in the arena at competitions, he would sometimes refrain on his brilliant movements due to his shy and conservative attitude.

Needless to say, he taught Kate so much and gave more joy and pleasure to her than any other horse she has owned.
Kate will be forever grateful to have had such a truly beautiful horse as Oscar B in her life, and he will be forever missed. His huge character was larger than life and his demanding demeanour around the property will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those who loved him. Oscar was inspiring to be around, with his beautiful face and huge adoring eyes, you couldn’t help but fall in love with him straight away. Oscar was retired a few years ago and has been spoilt ever since, living in the lap of luxury and being a paddock uncle to Kate’s foal, which is now a ridden three-year-old. Oscar ruled the property and was always king of the castle! He demanded what he had grown accustomed to, and was always full of fun and life.

Kate Taylor-Wheat and Oscar B

© Roger Fitzhardinge

Rest in Peace Oscar B, you inspired many people over your dazzling career and put a smile on many people that were lucky enough to cross you. You will be forever missed, and there will always be a special place in Kate’s heart for you, and a special bond that can never be broken.

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