Tom Bombadill Too, the talented gelding Olympic rider Ruy Fonseca says “changed his life”, has died aged 26.
Ruy and Tom Bombadill Too (Tommy) represented Brazil in six championships – including the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics – and competed in 15 countries together.
“Last Sunday Tommy left us,” said Ruy, who named his business Bombadill Equestrian after the Holsteiner gelding.
“It’s been a hard few days but I’m sure he’s in a beautiful place up there and he deserved so. What a unique, unbelievable journey we had.”
Tommy started his career as a five-year-old competing in British Eventing with his previous owner Serena Urquhart. The Urquharts bought him as a “very flighty five-year-old” from Nikki Ryan, from a Horse & Hound advert. Serena produced him up to intermediate level then in 2009 Ruy took over the reins.
“In 14 months we went from novice to five-star, then four months later he was double clear at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky,” said Ruy.
“From there, we did two Pan American Games in Mexico and Canada, grabbing team bronze and individual bronze and team silver. We were so close to an individual gold in Toronto in 2015 where we led from the dressage until the last jump on the final day. The most little rub took the gold off our neck, but I would think I would be in that position with the little quirky 16hh horse together among the best. What pleasure and beautiful experience.”
Ruy Fonseca and Tom Bombadill Too rode at the London 2012 Olympics, where Brazil finished ninth, and Rio 2016, where the team was seventh. They completed the five-star at Luhmühlen Horse Trials in 2010, finishing 32nd.
“We ticked a few boxes that never in my life or career I thought I would,” said Ruy, adding that special memories include his mother hacking him, and his wife and father-in-law completing lower level events with Tommy aged 19.
“Winning Barroca d’Alva CCI3* in Portugal was very emotional because it was for a special friend who is up there with Tommy. It is the most beautiful trophy that I have here at home.”
“He was the most kind, easy and happy horse that changed my life, giving me opportunities, chances and plenty of learning experiences.”
Many top riders have paid tribute to Tommy; Ruy told H&H he was “privileged” to see the “amazing comments” from the many people who loved him.
“Mark Todd was our trainer during our best performances and we had great times and results together. I was very honoured to be trained by Toddy at the time and we are good friends,” said Ruy.
“Anna Ross was essential to the development of Tommy’s dressage, which gave us the best results at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. We were top 10 after the dressage.”
Ruy said Tommy “touched many people and hearts” – adding thanks to Tommy’s “partner, friend and groom” Caroline Gordon and everyone that was involved with him.
“A dream team and amazing memories,” said Ruy.
“I will miss you forever my friend.”
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