Aoife Clark (IRL) riding WASTING LIGHT in the CIC*** Section N during the Belton Horse Trials, in the grounds of Belton House near Grantham in Lincolnshire, UK on 17th April 2016
Irish four-star eventer Aoife Clark has paid tribute to her rising star Wasting Light, a yard favourite who was an “absolute machine” across country.
The 10-year-old was put down after an inoperable foot condition took a turn for the worse.
The chestnut gelding with a “big white blaze and cheeky face” had been with Aoife since he was four.
Owned by Cressida Legge and John Forde, “Archie” was “quick, sharp and very intelligent”.
Aoife Clark (IRL) riding WASTING LIGHT in the OI Section P, during Lincolnshire One Day Event at Lincolnshire Showgrounds near Lincoln in Lincolnshire UK on20th March 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
“He was a lovely blood type by Ghareeb,” Aoife told H&H. “I really liked his attitude and everything about him.
“Cross-country he was an absolute machine — snaffle mouthed but so fit and could gallop all day. He absolutely loved it.
“He wasn’t the biggest movers, but he always really tried in dressage; I just loved riding him.”
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Aoife’s highlights with Archie included being placed sixth at Blenheim in the CCI3* for eight- and nine-year olds and second in Ravenna’s CCI3* in 2015.
“He had the fastest cross-country time [at Ravenna] and just made it so easy,” said Aoife.
Aoife CLARK riding Wasting Light (IRL) in the cross country phase of the CICO *** during the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen, in Aachen Germany on 16 July 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The pair also secured team bronze for Ireland in the Nations Cup at Aachen last year.
“I had an amazing ride at Aachen,” said Aoife. “It was one of the fastest times, he just flew around.
“He was so much fun to ride, just the type you want going up the levels. I’m very sad he didn’t get the chance to go up to four-star.
“It’s really tough, the hardest part of the sport.”
The rider thought the pain and numbness she had been feeling since a fall at Millstreet were due to a
Aoife added that Archie was a yard favourite and always up to tricks.
“He was a real character and very funny,” she said. “He would be in the tack room looking for polos. Everyone who looked after him absolutely loved him.
“He made a lasting impression and will be hugely missed.”
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
Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.
