Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Shutterfly competing at a Longines Global Chamions Tour event.

© LGCT/Stefano Grasso

Vale Shutterfly

Former world number one show jumper Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum has announced the sad passing of her champion mount Shutterfly, who had recently celebrated his 30th birthday.

As Meredith bid farewell to her horse of a life time, she said: “Shutterfly aka ‘Petey’ started as a doubtful, unsure youngster and blossomed into one of the greatest horses to ever live.”

Shutterfly wrote himself into the history books with many incredible championship wins.

“He won three World Cup Finals, two Top Ten Finals (and) the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen, amongst many other prestigious titles. He brought me to the top of the World Ranking list, as the only women ever, where I was able to enjoy #1 for 24 months. Shutterfly won the Preis von Europa in Aachen against the best in the world at age 18, just before his retirement ceremony there in front of his adoring crowd.”

The pair also enjoyed multiple Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix wins, with Shutterfly having first competed on the tour as a six year old in 2007. Wins and placings at the LGCT’s of Cannes, Valkenswaard, Doha, and notably two back-to-back wins at the Global Champions Tour of Italy in Arrezo in 2006 and 2007, all with his partner of a lifetime – the first female world number one.

A clearly emotional Meredith finished her tribute by saying: “I will miss you my friend, and I appreciate every moment I had with you. You were the greatest partner anyone could have.”

Rest easy, Shutterfly, and thank you for all you brought to our sport. Our thoughts are with Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and all associated with this wonderful horse.

Source: LGCT press release (edited)

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