There won’t be a dry eye in the house at Badminton on Monday (25 April) when William Fox-Pitt officially retires his much-loved partner Tamarillo from competition.
Nineteen-year-old “Tam” will be paraded in the ring on the final day of Badminton — which he won with William in 2004 — so his fans can pay tribute to this exceptional horse.
Bred by Finn and Mary Guinness in 1992, Tamarillo’s part-bred Arab heritage made him fast and nimble over jumps and across country but light and extravagant in the dressage ring.
Mrs Guinness said: “Tamarillo’s unique combination of grace and athleticism combined with a dash of rebellious cheek has gained him and his rider William Fox-Pitt a place in the hearts of eventing fans all over the world.”
William’s partnership with Tam began in 2000, with a surprise win in the Blarney Castle two-star event.
They went to take second place at Badminton just two years later and represented GB on the bronze-winning team at the World Championships in Jerez later in 2002.
The 2004 Badminton victory was followed up by second the following year, silver at the World Championship in Aachen in 2006 and then Tamarillo’s last big win — Burghley in 2008.
Tam has been in unofficial retirement since 2009. He will move back to William’s yard and will be ridden by William’s groom Jason Picton in retirement.
Fans can catch Tamarillo’s presentation and parade in the ring before the prizegiving.
