‘Harry’, owned by Emily Mackintosh and ridden by Alison Gill, was a pony of outstanding personality, athleticism, talent, training and such a will to win. He was a pony that was likely to gain big scores in the Small Tour at the Australian Dressage Championships and was in line to push the leaderboard against all horses and ponies.
With his gear packed for the Nationals, it was his final relaxed workout at home on Wednesday, when on returning to his stable he had a very sudden onset of colic. Never a sick day in his life! Despite immediate attention and surgery, he unfortunately was euthanised due to irreparable damage to his gut from a torsion.
Emily has owned this pony for nearly eight years and started his journey at Preliminary after buying him from Ruth Dotterson. He was a Welsh Cob D by Derwen Dakota from the mare Cwmkaren Miss Catrin, bred by Lana Crompton from Seawynd Stud in South Australia.
Alison has been riding Harry for several years now and produced him to FEI Small Tour around 12 months ago. He has hardly been beaten in open company at this level and never been beaten in the Pony division at this level, with exceptional scores – many of which were over 70%!
He was well and truly on the way to Grand Prix, with exceptional piaffe and passage. Flashy by conformation and colouring. Flashy by movement and above all a beautiful, flashy character. Harry always tried his hardest, no matter whether it was in training or at a competition where he adored showing the world his extravagance. His ability to want to perform was well and truly remarkable.
Set for a big National Championships, and within moments this milestone and dream was taken away.
Colic! Who knows when, where, nor the outcome.
Ponies of this calibre do not come along and grace us with their presence that often.
Harry, all we can do is thank you so much for the joy, aptitude, expression, and boldness you showed to every person that saw you and above all to your owner Emily Mackintosh and rider Alison Gill.
We will never forget you for your expression and your will to show the big horses how to do it. We will always remember you for what you were destined to show, yet never had the chance.
Rest in peace Harry.
Equestrian Life’s thoughts are with Emily, Alison and all those connected with this special pony.
