“One in a Million”: Equestrian Community Grieves as Beloved Silver Medalist Horse Takes Its Final Bow

In equestrian sports, certain horses win over spectators, riders, and owners with their performance and attitude. A few days ago news saddened the entire equestrian community as a well-known silver medalist horse breathed his last. Nip Tuck, bred by Jan van Breemen has always won the hearts of many. The gelding known by its nickname and stable name, Barney was sired by Don Ruto out of Irena. British Olympic medalist equestrian Carl Hester trained and rode him.

The gelding over his career took part in many events and won many of them. His last prominent performance with Hester was at the Rio Olympics 2016. Unfortunately, the nineteen-year-old gelding who mesmerized the sports enthusiast with his dance is now no more. The equestrian community is downhearted by the news and conveys their sadness to the loving animal.

Barney’s unforgettable memories & wins

Nip Tuck after retiring from the equestrian sport was living with his owner Jane de la Mare. On the 25th of September, 2023 he passed away after a short illness. British Dressage shared the news of his demise through its Facebook page. The news was titled “The kindest heart and a horse that made dreams come true. We will miss you always Barney.” In the brief descriptions, the post mentioned that the gelding had partnered with Carl Hester at the 2014 World Equestrian Games winning the silver medal. They also shared the equine-took part with him at the 2015 European Championships and 2016 Rio Olympics.

Nip Tuck was brought by Jane de la Mare as a yearling from the Netherlands.  During his young days, he was described as un-coordinating and spooky. Carl trained him to participate at the Grand Prix level. In 2008, Barney secured third place at the British Young Horse Championships. Between the years 2014-2017, he was the marquee of the British team. The saddening news attracted hundreds of likes from online surfers who also shared their emotions in the comments.

Equestrian fans are saddened by the equine’s demise

The demise of bay gelding Nip Tuck has blown the heart of the equestrian community. They shared their thoughts in their comments. One equestrian enthusiast wrote, “Beautiful Barney. You were such a character RIP” praising the beauty and character of the gelding. One online surfer remembered a unique thing he noticed on Barney saying “remember seeing a tag on his head collar saying “caution. Big & spooky”“. One fan summoned up his emotion and thought in “One in a Million“. For him, such a horse comes once in a million horses.

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Another fan wrote, “What a super horse he was, one of life’s specials,” suggesting that such a horse is to be found in one life. Another online surfer said, “So sad, my heartfelt condolences to Jane and Carl ” conveying his condolence to the owner of the horse and his rider.

The demise of Nip Tuck aka Barney is indeed disheartening and makes one feel speechless. The way he entertained the equestrian world with his skills has engraved his name in the hearts of many.

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