Four legendary sport horses plus one human equestrian star have been inducted into the British Horse Society’s hall of fame.

Newly appointed British performance coach Chris Bartle was enrolled earlier this month (24 November).

Outstanding event horses Opposition Buzz, Chilli Morning, and Avebury have also been recognised, as well as showjumper Philco.

Plaques to commemorate all of those inducted are displayed on the wall of the Household Cavalry’s barracks in Knightsbridge.

A panel chaired by the previous BHS chairman Claire Aldridge, former H&H editor Lucy Higginson, showjumper Liz Edgar, eventing stars Mary Low (née Gordon-Watson) and Lucinda Green and dressage rider and trainer Carl Hester, made the hall of fame selections.

Chris said being included in the hall of fame was a “lovely surprise”.

“It is a great honour, especially when I see all those successful and well-known members of the equestrian world who are already laureates.

“I would like to dedicate this award to my mother, Nicole Bartle. She is sadly no longer alive to see me receive it, but she is hugely responsible for it.”

Chris has been national coach to the German eventing team since 2001 and will start his new role as part of the British World Class eventing programme in January.

The 64-year-old won Badminton in 1998, was a European team gold medallist in 1997 and reserve for the 2000 Olympic team.

He also rode at the top level in pure dressage and finished sixth in the dressage at the 1984 Olympics.

Eventing legends

Rosemary Search, owner and breeder of Opposition Buzz, said it was “absolutely incredible” to see ‘Dodi’ recognised in the hall of fame.

“It’s beyond my wildest dreams,” she said. “Dodi was just very special to me, not only because I bred him, but also because I delivered him myself.”

The popular multi-medalled horse died just seven weeks into his retirement last year (9 November), aged 17.

Dodi was ridden by Nicola Wilson and best known for the enthusiasm he showed when going cross-country and his unusual jumping style.

He took team gold at the 2009 European Championships and the 2010 World Equestrian Games, as well as team silver at the 2012 Olympics and team bronze at the 2011 European Championships.

Ridden by William Fox-Pitt, Chilli Morning was retired after the Rio Olympics.

‘Chilli’ is the greatest eventing stallion in the history of the sport — the only one to win a four-star, apart from Windfall II, who won the short format CCI4* at Kentucky in 2004.

William Fox-Pitt and Chilli have been Britain’s best performers at the annual senior championship on every occasion they have been on the team — in 2013, 2014 and 2016.

“Chilli for me has been a horse of a lifetime, and as a stallion he is also one in a million,” said William.

“He was just such an amazing all-rounder who loved his job.”

Meanwhile Avebury won Burghley on three consecutive occasions with Andrew Nicholson.

The outstanding horse was put down in September, aged 16.

“He was an out and out winner throughout his life — something he loved doing,” said Andrew.

“Equally special was the fact that he was so kind and genuinely loved people.

“It was an honour to breed and ride him, and he is missed by everyone who was associated with him.”

‘A wonderful horse’

Philco, who was ridden by showjumping legend David Broome, made a name for himself in the late 1970s, jumping 29 clear rounds in succession at Wembley International Horse Show.

Philco retired from competition at the age of 16 and lived out his days with David until he died at the age of 32.

Continued below…

Related articles:

• Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos join BHS hall of fame
• Top equine stars join BHS hall of fame
• New name joins Chris Bartle to lead British eventing squad

“It’s a great privilege for Philco to be recognised in the Hall of Fame,” said David.

“He was a wonderful horse for me, especially in the big competitions.

“He was very agile and always so neat and careful. He was also quite a tough horse, he certainly didn’t let me down very often.”

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Today marks Nicola Wilson's 40th birthday. And what better way to celebrate than to take a look back at some of the eventer's career highlights — from a golden WEG in Kentucky to spending time at home with her late great partner Opposition Buzz in North Yorkshire. Happy Birthday Nicola!

Nicola and Opposition Buzz in the final phase at Burghley in 2008, where they finished in fifth place

Nicola and Oppostion Buzz celebrate their team gold medal in Kentucky, USA

Nicola heads out for a hack on Opposition Buzz with her team at home in North Yorkshire

Nicola and Opposition Buzz on their way to team bronze

Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz after the dressage at Burghley in 2013, when they finished in 10th place

Nicola and Opposition Buzz pose for a photo. The multi-medalled 'Dodi' died at home in 2014 just seven weeks into his retirement

Nicola and Annie Clover during the cross-country phase of the competition in Haras National Du Pin, Normandy

Nicola and One Two Many contend the cross-country at Blair Castle in the torrential rain, where they went on to win team silver

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2014 was a year full of highs and sadly, some lows too. H&H has compiled a list of the most-read news stories from the past 12 months for you to look back on

1. Second rider killed on black day for eventing

It was the news we all wished wasn’t true. When the second eventing death was confirmed on the same mid-June day, the equestrian world went into shock. The tragic deaths of Benjamin Winter and Jordan McDonald were a stark reminder to us all that equestrian sport comes with its dangers, but the way in which the equestrian community rallied to support each other was second to none.

2. Mary King suspended for two months

The news this eventing icon had been handed a suspension after receiving two FEI yellow cards within 12 months led to a petition from her fans to have the ban lifted. At the time of the suspension Mary said she was “shocked and devastated” by the news and that it was “embarassing”. Mary made a winning return to eventing in August.

3. Rider killed in rotational fall at Luhmühlen

The 14 June 2014 was a day the eventing community would rather not think about. The first rider to be killed on a cross-country course that day was Benjamin Winter. The talented German rider sadly lost his life at Luhmühlen horse trials, a four-star event in the rider’s home nation.

4. 25-year-old showjumping groom killed

In April 2014 it sadly emerged that a young groom had died following a suspected seizure. Groom to Irish showjumper Mark Dorgan since he was 15, Ben Fox is sadly missed on the circuit.

5. Wild Lone dies after WEG cross-country

The news rocked the equestrian world. Following a fairytale year and a stellar cross-country round as anchorman for the Great British eventing team at the World Equestrian Games (WEG), Harry Meade’s incredible four-star event horse sadly collapsed and died at the end of his cross-country round.

6. Pony dumped and left to die in rubbish bag

It was a case of extreme cruelty which was inconceivable. A foal was tied up in a rubbish bag and left to die in an alleway.

 7. Woman and horses killed in road accident

One woman and two horses were killed while the woman and her friend were leading their horses down a road. They were hit by a pick-up truck (not at pictured location).

8. Opposition Buzz dies just weeks after retiring

Opposition Buzz, the popular multi-medalled event horse known as Dodi at home, died “suddenly and unexpectedly” just seven weeks into his retirement. He was the pathfinder at four consecutive championships for the British team.

9. Woman dies riding on the beach

A woman was sadly found dead on a beach (not at pictured location) in Wales after she fell from her horse during the summer.

10. Emily King on the mend after horror fall

The daughter of eventing legend Mary King took a nasty tumble at this year’s Junior European Eventing Championships in August. Thankfully eventing’s safety measures ensured horse and rider walked away from the fall and the pair were back in action shortly afterwards.

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In memory of eventing legend Opposition Buzz, who died last weekend (Sunday 9 November), we asked H&H readers to send in their pictures of this incredibly talented horse.

We hope you enjoy viewing photographs of ‘Dodi’ through the eyes of his fans.

If you have any more pictures that you have taken yourself of Opposition Buzz, which you would like added to this gallery, please send them to rachael.hook@timeinc.com

Read more stories about Opposition Buzz:

Eventing world pays tribute to Opposition Buzz via Twitter

The eventing world has paid tribute to one of the greatest cross-country horses of recent times

Eventing legend retired

Long-standing member of the British eventing team renowned for his cross-country prowess has been retired from competition

Great Partnerships: Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz [VIDEO] [H&H VIP]

In our exclusive video Nicola Wilson explains what makes her partnership with Opposition Buzz so great. Get a free trial of H&H VIP to read this story

Team GB star retires from top level eventing

One of Britain’s top event horses will not go to Badminton and will be campaigned at advanced and CIC 3* this season

Opposition Buzz ‘is fine’ after rotational fall

Nicola Wilson says it is ‘a huge relief’ after her Olympic partner fell jumping out of the water at Luhmühlen

Behind-the-scenes video: Lucinda Green rides Opposition Buzz

Watch our behind-the-scenes footage of Lucinda Green riding Nicola Wilson’s world and European team gold medallist Opposition Buzz

Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz win at Barbury

Nicola Wilson’s hard work on the dressage phase paid off for cross-country machine Opposition Buzz to produce Nicola’s second international win of her career

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Many of us were only just coming to terms with the fact that we would never see Nicola Wilson’s team stalwart Opposition Buzz go cross-country again.

We were even more saddened to learn of his death, aged 17, just seven weeks into a well-earned retirement.

“Dodi”, as he was known, jumped every fence with all his heart and defied expectations, making him the ultimate British eventing hero.

At first, he made you hold your breath on account of his unusual technique over a fence. But he soon convinced everyone to have complete confidence in his ability to make mincemeat of the toughest track — hence his selection as pathfinder for four championships on the trot.

Supporters flocked to see his final round at Allerton Park in September on hearing it would be his swansong. The sport needs characters like this. Opposition Buzz will be sorely missed and impossible to replace.

Given the sad state of British showjumping, following an 18th-place finish at the World Equestrian Games in France this summer and the resignation of the man who led them to gold in London [Rob Hoekstra, news 6 November], it’s heartening that Scott Brash has retained his world number one spot for an entire year (see page 8).

Another more unlikely hero is emerging in America — a Welsh cob stallion who has just posted a plus-70% grand prix dressage score.

Given the enthusiasm for our cob special issue two weeks ago, it seems the type has no shortage of fans. Do check out the video of this 14.3hh —North Forks Cardi — in action at the US Dressage Finals in Kentucky. You worry on seeing his entry and first halt, but can’t help but be impressed by his pirouettes, piaffe and passage — it’s so much more impressive than you might expect. Cobs like this are re-writing the status quo and rewarding their owners’ faith. Talk about the triumph of an underdog.

Read more of Sarah’s thoughts by clicking on the links below.

Sarah Jenkins: All hail the super cob!

H&H's Content Director discusses the wonderful cob and the sad news para dressage will not be included at the next

Sarah Jenkins: A thrilling return to HOYS

H&H's content director was delighted to return to HOYS and enjoy the equestrian spectacle

Sarah Jenkins: Gentlemanly behaviour

H&H's content director commends one of Britain's dressage greats and questions the reasoning behind the use of an upsetting image

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The death of 17-year old eventing legend Opposition Buzz sent shock waves around equestrian world yesterday (9 November). He was put down on veterinary advice on Saturday 8 November following a seizure. This was just seven weeks after his final eventing run, where he had finished second in an advanced section at Allerton Park.

Pathfinder at four consecutive championships for the British team, ‘Dodi’ won a full set of team medals (gold, silver and bronze) and took his rider, Nicola Wilson, to the London 2012 Olympic Games — where Britain secured silver.

Upon hearing the news, eventing fans took to social media to pay tribute to this brilliant equine athlete and celebrate his outstanding career. See what they had to say below…

Opposition Buzz fact file

• Stable name: Dodi
• Foaled: 1997
• 16.1hh black gleding by Fleetwater Opposition out of Java Tiger mare Jungle Bee
• Owned and bred by Rosemary Search
• Dodi started eventing with Tracey Dillion, who competed him up to novice
• Nicola Wilson took over the ride in 2004 and they won their first event together: a novice at Witton Castle
• Out of his 101 British Eventing starts, Dodi only faulted cross-country four times
• He was pathfinder for the British team at four consecutive championships.

Medal-winning performances:

• Team gold 2009 European Championships, Fountainebleau
• Team gold 2010 World Equestrian Games, Kentucky
• Team bronze 2011 European Championships, Luhmühlen
• Team silver 2012 Olympics, London
• Dodi started at an impressive 12 four-star events including five Badmintons, and only didn’t complete when he suffered a rare fall at Luhmühlen in 2013
• During his career he amassed 2324 British Eventing points
• His best four-star results included fifth at Burghley in 2008 and seventh at Badminton in 2008 and 2011
• He placed second in his last start, at advanced level at Allerton Park in September
• One of the fastest cross-country horses of his time, Dodi was never more than two seconds over the optimum time over all of his Badminton appearances
• Upon his retirement Nicola said: “It is his cross-country that has been amazing. I will always remember whizzing around all those cross-country tracks with ease. I will probably never have a horse quite like him again.”

Opposition Buzz highlights

Great Partnerships: Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz [VIDEO] [H&H VIP]

In our exclusive video Nicola Wilson explains what makes her partnership' with Opposition Buzz so great

Behind-the-scenes video: Lucinda Green rides Opposition Buzz

Watch our behind-the-scenes footage of Lucinda Green riding Nicola Wilson’s world and European team gold medallist Opposition Buzz

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Opposition Buzz, the popular multi-medalled event horse known as Dodi at home, has died “suddenly and unexpectedly” just seven weeks into his retirement.

His rider Nicola Wilson announced the news this afternoon (Sunday 9 November), saying: “Our beloved Dodi sadly passed away yesterday after several weeks of enjoying his well-deserved retirement. He had a seizure in the morning and was put to sleep on veterinary advice.

“A shock to us all — a very special horse who will be missed beyond belief. He made so much possible and opened so many doors for me. Rest in peace Dodi and thank you.”

Opposition Buzz was the pathfinder at four consecutive championships for the British team. He took team gold at the 2009 European Championships in Fontainebleau and the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, as well as team silver at the 2012 Olympics (pictured right) and team bronze at the 2011 European Championships in Luhmühlen.

The 17-year-old gelding by Fleetwater Opposition was homebred by his owner Rosemary Search out of the Java Tiger mare Jungle Bee. Last year was his final season at the top level and he spent this summer competing successfully at CIC3* level, including winning the flagship class at Hopetoun in June.

His last British Eventing competition was at Allerton Park in September, when he finished second in the advanced. Connections announced his retirement from the sport the night before, leading to a strong turnout of fans at the event. Nicola said that Opposition Buzz would not know when was the right time to stop, so they had to make the decision for him.

Opposition Buzz will always be remembered for his unique “up and down” jumping style. He was one of the most consistent and fastest cross-country horses of recent times. He had a huge fan base, who will be devastated by this news.

During his career, he accrued 2324 British Eventing points and completed 11 four-stars. His best individual results were fifth at Burghley in 2008 and seventh at Badminton in 2008 and 2011.

Opposition Buzz highlights

Great Partnerships: Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz [VIDEO] [H&H VIP]

In our exclusive video Nicola Wilson explains what makes her partnership' with Opposition Buzz so great

Behind-the-scenes video: Lucinda Green rides Opposition Buzz

Watch our behind-the-scenes footage of Lucinda Green riding Nicola Wilson’s world and European team gold medallist Opposition Buzz

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

Enjoy the H&H team’s top tweets from the equestrian twitterverse this week.

The week on twitter

It was an emotional moment for Nicola Wilson as she crossed the finish line on Oppositions Buzz’s last cross-country round before retirement

Laura Tomlinson is getting baby Annalisa straight into dressage training — on the dog

Florida-based eventer Kyle Carter removes a predator from the water jump/swimming pool on his cross-country course

New medium restricted national champions Owen Cooper and ‘Dante’ celebrate their victory

It’s good to hear that Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh and Happy Times who was third at Burghley Horse Trials are on their jolly holidays

Olivia Oakeley visibly thrilled following her thrid place performance in the intermediate I freestyle at the national dressage championships

The bronze medal-winning young rider eventing team celebrate with a beer in Portugal

It looks like showjumper Dan Neilson has got a four-legged handyman to help him on the yard

If you like this, why not follow @horseandhound on twitter today?

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Nicola Wilson has had an “emotional” final run on her TeamGB stalwart Opposition Buzz who has now been retired.

Nicola Wilson and the 17-year-old gelding rode in their last competition — finishing second in the advanced at Allerton Park (pictured below right) — on Saturday (20 September).

Nicola announced on Twitter the night before that it would be “Dodi’s” last event and was

“touched” by the amount of supporters to came to see final run.

“The crowd made it so special,” Nicola told H&H. “He was clapped and cheered from start to finish.

“He has had a super year it seemed fitting for a Yorkshire bred, owned and ridden horse to finish at a Yorkshire event.”

Dodi was dropped down from four-star level after last year’s Burghley but he has had a successful season at three-star with seven top-ten finishes.

Nicola and his owner/breeder Rosemary Search have now decided that he should be retired.

“He is a horse that has his own instruction manual,” Nicola said.

“He is still so enthusiastic. He wouldn’t know when the right time for him to retire would be, so it is up to us to make the right decision.

“It is so lovely that he has finished his fantastic career still sound and he has got lots of years left to enjoy the retirement he deserves.”

Dodi is going to spend his retirement at Nicola’s Yorkshire base where he will be hacked out by his long-term groom Lynn Swift and may also be used as a “nanny” for younger horses at events.

“I’m sure he will be sad when he sees the horsebox go out but he will still very much be King of the yard,” added Nicola.

“He is very laid back and enjoys hacking and being in the field

“He certainly won’t miss his dressage schooling but he will miss the cross-country.”

Nicola and Dodi have completed 11 four-stars and represented TeamGB at four championships.

“He has many fabulous memories to re-live,” Nicola added.

“It is his cross-country that has been amazing. I will always remember whizzing around all those cross-country tracks with ease.

“I will probably never have a horse quite like him again.”

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A new Horse & Hound series, titled Great Patnerships, kicks off in today’s magazine with the outstanding relationship of Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz (see p16-17, 10 April 2014 issue).

Watch our exclusive video below to find out how Nicola got the ride, what Opposition Buzz’s routine is like at home and what he really lives for.

Find out why Opposition Buzz won’t be at Badminton this year

British team stalwart Opposition Buzz has been stepped down from top-level competition.

His owner Rosemary Search and rider Nicola Wilson have decided that 17-year old “Dodi” will not go to Badminton and will be campaigned at advanced and CIC 3* this season.

“He would love to go to Badminton and he is fit and well,” Nicola told H&H. “But he is such a special horse and he has given us so much we would hate for anything to happen to him.

“He still loves his eventing, especially his cross-country and hopefully he can still play and have a lot of fun.”

Dodi had his first run of the season in the advanced at Burgham last weekend (29 March) finishing 2nd with his customary clear cross-country.

“That was his first run of the season and he galloped around and made us all smile,” Nicola said. “It is always a difficult decision but he has taken us all over the world and to places that we only could have dreamt.”

Don’t miss next week’s Horse & Hound magazine (10 April), where Nicola and Dodi are the first ‘Great Partnership‘ to feature in our exciting new series focusing on brilliant horse and rider combinations of the current era.

Watch Lucinda Green riding Opposition Buzz in 2011

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Nicola Wilson’s 2012 Olympic partner Opposition Buzz is showing no ill-effects from a dramatic rotational fall at Luhmühlen CCI4* (15 June), and is back home in north Yorkshire.

“He’s absolutely fine and enjoying the sunshine in his paddock,” said Nicola. “It is a huge relief. He had a sore bottom that night, but that was all. We are both ok.”

The 16-year-old has an outstanding cross-country record and has been pathfinder for the British squad for the past three years.

“He was his usual self, full of exuberance,” said Nicola. “After tripping in the water, he picked himself up and must have thought he could have jumped it in one, taking a stride out. But he only got one back foot onto the step, and although he tried his hardest to take off, he fell at the boat.”

“It was just one of those things. I feel sorry for him because he was so excited to be at another competition, as always,” she added.

‘Dodi’ will continue with his schedule as planned after a short holiday, and head to the British Open at Gatcombe in August.

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Eventing fans can meet Olympic silver medallists Opposition Buzz and Nicola Wilson at a charity raceday at Wetherby racecourse next month.

The day, in aid of Spinal Research, will be held on Wednesday 17 October at the Yorkshire track.

Guests can meet Opposition Buzz on arrival at Wetherby from 11am.

He will later be doing a “lap of honour” for the crowds around the paddock.

The pair were part of the silver medal winning team at Greenwich this summer.

Tickets cost £60 per person and include a drinks reception, three-course lunch and entertainment, racecourse entry and race card.

To book tickets, tel: 01937 582035

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Nicola Wilson’s four-star ride Bee Diplomatic has been retired from eventing.

Bee Diplomatic, a half-brother to Nicola’s British team regular Opposition Buzz, was entered for this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, but withdrawn a couple of weeks ago before the event was cancelled.

Nicola has now announced on her website that he has been retired from eventing “due to a few ongoing niggling problems”.

The 12-year-old was bred by his owner Rosemary Search, out of the Java Tiger mare Jungle Bee, by State Diplomacy. He started his eventing career with Katherine Heslop, before Jeanette Brakewell took over in 2006 and produced him to two-star level.

Bee Diplomatic moved to Nicola’s yard in 2010 and his best result with her was winning the Scottish open championships at Blair last year. He was also 10th at Bramham CCI*** 2010, sixth there in 2011 and 18th at Pau CCI**** last year. He earned 361 British Eventing points during his career.

“How lovely for Rosemary to have bred two horses [Bee Diplomatic and Opposition Buzz] that competed at four-star level,” said Nicola on her website. “He [Bee Diplomatic] will now retire to do dressage and hopefully have a lot more success.”

Nicola had planned to run Opposition Buzz at Badminton, but is now among the London Olympic hopefuls re-routing to Chatsworth this weekend (12-13 May).

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Enjoy some behind-the-scenes footage of cross-country legend Lucinda Green riding Nicola Wilson’s world and European team gold medallist, Opposition Buzz, and read what Lucinda had to say about her ride.

It was blowing horizontally the day of my visit, but Dodi (as he is known at home) was remarkably good with all the outdoor arena sides flapping — delightful compared to my own horse, Bill, who flinches at the twitch of a leaf.

Nicola warned me he is quite lazy at home — he gets bored and lives for his jumping and cross-country — but you certainly feel safe as soon as you climb on. His size — not too big or wide — is right up my street. He is terrifically light-footed in all his paces and, though his trot is lovely, he is a completely different horse in canter. His whole front end comes up and rather than feeling different strides that step through his body, he glides, as though you are sitting on a slipper being pulled over ice.

You feel you are sitting on rows of gentle springs — he is very soft, but not in a big “warmbloody” way. Everything is just there ready to explode.

I was worried about doing very much with Dodi because he’d only recently finished his post-Badminton break. But Nicola was determined that I should jump him.

They put up three fences, including a ridiculous skinny only about 2ft 6in wide.

I have never been in a Harrier jump jet, but I imagine it must feel much like this horse elevating over a jump. All of a sudden you are in the air — nothing has changed — you just find yourself sailing upwards. Though we did not jump anything above 3ft, Nicola must spend ages in orbit.

She told me: “I hear all these ‘whoooos’ from the crowd and I think, ‘you think it looks hair-raising, what do you think it feels like…?’”

Nicola then divulged that she hardly ever jumps him at home and ordinarily would not have jumped him again until July. She used to jump him often to try to teach him to do it properly. Now he’s proved himself, every jump is an unnecessary jar.

As he’s grown older, Dodi has become stronger and Nicola has swapped from a snaffle bit to a Waterford to go cross-country and, post Badminton, is wondering which is the next best slightly stronger one.

Read more of Lucinda’s thoughts on the British team’s pathfinder in Horse & Hound magazine (24 June, 2011).

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