Baloubet De Talma, a top ride of French Olympic showjumper Penelope Leprevost, has died following an accident, aged 15.
The Baloubet De Rouet son joined Penelope in January 2025 and competed in top-level grands prix and World Cup legs, including at London International and Hickstead.
“Balou” was bred by Haras De Talma in France and started his international career with Alexandra Francart in young horse classes, then was produced up the levels by Audrey Teixidor and Valentin Pacaud.
Penelope stepped Balou up to five-star in April 2025; they competed at major shows including Royal Windsor, St Gallen CSIO5*, and the Paris leg of the Global Champions Tour. Some of their top results included finishing 12th individually in the Hickstead Nations Cup, and fifth in the London International World Cup leg.
Penelope said Balou died following “an accident while loose” on Monday (18 May).
“Thank you for everything you gave to all those who were lucky enough to cross your path,” she said.
“Your fiery temperament in the arena, your generosity and courage, your gentleness and kindness every day made you an exceptional horse that we will never forget. Thank you for everything, Balou.”
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
A spokesperson for Haras De Talma said Balou’s temperament made him “truly unique” and that he had a “heart bigger than himself”.
“Your energy was often difficult to channel, you always wanted to give 150%. From a very young age you left a real mark on the minds of everyone you met,” he said.
The spokesperson said Balou was “extraordinary from a very young age” and he credited Audrey and Valentin for their success with him, before a “new love story” started between Balou, Penelope and her groom Amelie, which “propelled” him to top grands prix.
“Your meeting with Penelope allowed you to earn your place. A place among the greats,” he said.
“There wasn’t a competition where Penelope didn’t tell us about your achievements. If you made a mistake she would say: ‘It doesn’t matter, if you only knew how much I love him’.
“You received love until your very last breath. You leave a huge void in the hearts of everyone who knew you. Thank you a hundredfold for everything you gave us.”
Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
