Part-bred Connemara who won medals for Britain retires: ‘He owes me nothing’

Strong Beau, the medal-winning ride of Britain’s Gabriella Blake, has retired aged 17.

The part-bred Connemara shone on his big-stage debut at the 2023 European Dressage Championships, where they won individual Grade I bronze and helped the British side to a team medal of the same colour.

The duo were among the nominated entries for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, and also competed at last year’s Europeans, where they were placed in all three tests.

“There are no words to describe how much Beau, my unicorn, has meant and given to me,” said Gabriella, who owns the 15hh gelding with her parents Gavin and Estelle.

“He has been my freedom, my legs, my best friend and teacher. He has given me the confidence to enter the world of para dressage and compete against the best in the world.

“We have had the most amazing competitive eight years together and I have learned so much from him. He was not your typical dressage horse but he has always had such presence and tried his heart out for me, and for that I am eternally grateful. He was never short on character – a cheeky chap with a spring in his step – and that has not changed heading into his retirement.

“I feel the time has come to do the best for him – he owes me nothing and given me everything. He will be hard to replace, but the search is on for my next unicorn. Thank you Beau.”

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