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Andrew Nicholson has revealed he will be commemorating the great event horse Avebury with an auction in aid of children with cancer.
Rosemary and Mark Barlow’s popular grey was put down on 6 September aged 16 after being diagnosed with a malignant bone tumour, for which there was no treatment. The multiple four-star winner was just months into his retirement.
A unique bracelet, made by from part of his tail by Horsehair Bracelets, together with a framed and signed photo of the legendary eventer (pictured, top), taken by Libby Law, will be auctioned through Andrew’s Facebook page.
Money raised will go to Kamran’s ward at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington, Oxford, where children receive treatment for cancer and other blood disorders.
“Avebury was a very kind horse who loved children,” said Andrew.
“He’s famous for winning international events but was just as happy being ridden by my daughter Lily in his short retirement.
“Several of those closely associated with Avebury have received life-saving treatment at the John Radcliffe — not least myself when I broke my neck last year.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“We would love your support.”
The auction opened on Saturday (24 August) and ends at midnight on Friday (30 September).
At the close of the auction, the highest bidder will be contacted and required to give their bid directly to the cause.
“Whilst we couldn’t help Avebury, we hope to do something positive to commemorate his life and help children currently receiving treatment for cancer — a disease which knows no boundaries of age or species,” Andrew wrote on his Facebook page.
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One of the greatest event horses of all time, Avebury won Burghley Horse Trials three times and Barbury Castle CIC3* four times.
Bred and broken in by Andrew, he was sold as a showjumper but bought back by Andrew’s wife Wiggy as a six-year-old to begin his eventing career. Andrew took over the ride in 2007.
Funds raised will be used by the team at Kamran’s ward to help improve facilities, provide cutting edge equipment and to support those receiving treatment.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.