Paul Tapner’s ride Kilfinnie II put down due to ‘various complications’

Paul Tapner has confirmed that advanced event horse Kilfinnie II was put down at the start of November last year, aged 12.

“There were various complications that contributed to the very hard decision,” said a message on the rider’s Tapner Eventing Team facebook page.

“He is and will be very much missed for a long time, he had a heart of gold and we were very lucky to have had him to campaign as part of our team.”

Owned by Paul and Sue White, the 17.1hh black gelding by Tullibards Shakespeare completed four four-stars with Paul, including finishing 15th at Burghley in 2009. He accumulated 644 British Eventing points in his career.

Prior to joining Paul’s team in 2008, Kilfinnie II was competed by Frances Mullan and Jay Halim.

Pippa Roome

H&H magazine editor and eventing editor

Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.