Steve Guerdat and Bianca.

© FEI/Martin Dokoupil

Vale Albfuehren’s Bianca

By Equestrian Life

Swiss Olympian Steve Guerdat has paid tribute to champion jumping mare Albfuehren’s Bianca, who has passed away at the age of 15 due to a brain tumour.

Bianca (Balou Du Rouet x Cardento), a Swedish Warmblood owned by Guerdat in partnership with Hofgut Albführen, last competed in January this year.

She was a champion that produced amazing results across her career — including a bronze medal at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, three World Cup Final appearances, double clears in Nations Cups, and also victories in the Rolex Grand Prix at Windsor in 2018 and the CSIO in La Baule, France, in 2019.

Steve Guerdat and Bianca took home individual bronze at WEG in 2018.

© Michelle Terlato

Guerdat has released the following statement regarding his “Queen of the stables”:

“My dear Bianca; My Queen; you left far too fast and my heart is broken. You've given us so much happiness these past few years; this moment is cruel. Cruel because I wish I could have offered you a lot more. Cruel because you're going to leave behind a huge emptiness. My heart goes hollow because I miss you already. I tried today to fight for you and this Nations Cup victory is dedicated to you. You will join princess Jalisca (Solier) and from up there you will watch over us. Never thought I'd get the chance to ride a horse of your size and I'm so proud of you. Rest in peace."

Guerdat was part of the victorious Swiss Nations Cup team at La Baule on Friday riding Albfuehren’s Maddox.

EQ Life’s thoughts are with Steve Guerdat, Hofgut Albführen and all those connected with the mare.

Rest in peace, Bianca.

© FEI/Martin Dokoupil

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