Equestrian Life - Vale Algebra

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Vale Algebra

By Equestrian Life

Former Australian five-star eventing horse Algebra has sadly passed away, aged 24.

Bought off the track many years ago by Julia McLean for $1500, Algebra was initially scouted as a show hunter prospect. The 15.2 hand Thoroughbred by Azaam out of Sand Dollar initially went to Lizzie McRoberts as a Pony Club mount; 12 months later, the pair were at one-star level eventing.

With growing university commitments, Lizzie returned him to Julia and co-owner John Glenn, who then sent him to Natalie Blundell to school and sell. He was never sold. Natalie and Algebra completed an incredible 27 CCI/CIC3* and six CCI4* events (which in today’s system equates to CCI4*L/CCI4*S and CCI5*L), and were among the top eight combinations nominated for the 2014 World Equestrian Games.

Natalie and Algebra arrived at Andrew Hoy’s stables on their European tour that year, with the plan being to sell the horse to a talented young rider as a schoolmaster at the end of the season – at this point, he was 16 years of age. Not finding a suitable rider or offer, John and Julia left the horse with Andrew to continue competing for Australia at the highest level. Together, the pair enjoyed great success over the next few years, winning two major CCI3* (now CCI4*L) events during the 2015 season.

Fast forward to 2018, and Algebra finally hung up his horseshoes – happy, healthy and completely sound. Fittingly, the horse returned to Australia to live out his retirement at John and Julia’s beautiful farm in New South Wales, where he remained until his passing.

Algebra enjoying retirement at Julia and John's property in NSW.

Image supplied by Julia McLean

Algebra was a talented eventer and quirky character who was loved by all who knew him. Equestrian Life’s thoughts are with owners Julia McLean and John Glenn, as well as Andrew Hoy, Natalie Blundell and all who have been associated with this amazing horse throughout the years.