Farewell, Arko: celebrate the prolific showjumper’s career in pictures

Gemma Redrup's avatar
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Arko retires aged 15 , nick skelton at stables
(Image credit: Charles Sainsbury-Plaice)

Yesterday (20 January), we learnt of the sad news that legendary showjumping stallion Arko III died at the age of 27.

During his illustrious career, Arko amassed over £1.2m in prize money for owners John and Lisa Hales, under Nick Skelton. He represented Great Britain at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2005 European Championships, and until his retirement to stud in 2008, won top-class grands prix across the globe, including the world’s richest class, the CN International at Spruce Meadows, and jumped numerous Nations Cup double clears.

Gemma Redrup
Gemma Redrup
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.