As 2023 heads towards a close, join us in celebrating the wonderful achievements of these event horses who provided so much joy to their riders and eventing fans alike. Our thoughts are with connections of all horses who left us during 2023.
Pippa Funnell and Primmore’s Pride jumping into the Lake at Badminton in 2005.
(Image credit: Trevor Meeks)
Roger and Denise Lincoln’s brilliant eventer won three five-stars in the days of long-format and brought home two Olympic medals.
His rider Pippa Funnell said: “Of all the horses I have ever had, he was the one right from the first day I sat on him that I knew would become a champion.”
Thomas Carlile riding Upsilon during the Cross Country phase of the CIC***ERM at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in the grounds of Blenheim Palace near Oxford in Oxfordshire UK on 11th September 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The eventing stallion’s many international wins included two at Barbury. He was ridden by his co-owner, Tom Carlile, who said: “Every horseman’s dream is to one day cross the path of such a horse.”
BYEH 4 year old winner during the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, in the park land surrounding Burghley House near Stamford in Lincolnshire in the UK between 31st August - 4th September 2022
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The March Stud’s promising home-bred stallion, who died of colic, won the Burghley Young Event Horse title last year with Piggy March. He was due to stand at stud for the first time this year. He was by the jumping-bred sire Clarksville and out of five-star event mare Valentina II.
2E9H2JB Germany's Hinrich Romeike on her horse 'Marius Voigt Logistik' during the Cross Country competition of the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, on August 26, 2006. Photo by Edwin Cook/Cameleon/ABACAPRESS.COM
(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)
The Olympic eventing champion in 2008, ridden by German dentist Hinrich Romeike, was one of the world’s most consistent performers, with six consecutive championships appearances on his record.
“He was so brave, and you could ride him into fences at high speed,” said Hinrich.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
In 2008 Nicolas Touzaint partnered the Selle Français to become the first – and so far the only – French pairing to win Badminton. They also won Pau, and European team silver.
STAMFORD, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 6: In this handout image provided by Burghley Horse Trials,Izzy Taylor (GBR) riding KBIS Briarlands Matilda competes during the dressage phase of the Burghley Horse Trials on September 6, 2014 in Stamford, England. (Photo by Trevor Holt/ Burghley Horse Trials via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Guy Avis’ 15.2hh mare was twice in the top 10 at Burghley, and twice competed at the Europeans as an individual partnered by Izzy Taylor.
“She was like a dancer, so light on her feet,” said Guy.
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoythe magazine deliveredto your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access ouronline servicethat brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
