The loss of a loved one creates a permanent void in our lives. One is never prepared for it. Olympic showjumper Bernardo Alves wouldn’t have expected his trusty stallion to suddenly take his leave, either. 27th June was another normal day of going to a new venue to clinch a new championship. Alves and his horse, El Torreo de Muze, were on their way to Monaco. However, disaster struck before the duo could even reach their destination.

The 13-year-old stallion passed away en route to the equestrian event when his health suddenly deteriorated. Before anybody could make a move to save his life, El Torreo was gone. The mighty stallion developed a sudden case of colic which resulted in his death.

The Departure of a Winner

Colic refers to the development of very sharp and sudden pain in the abdomen. Colic occurs out of the blue, and it is something that can develop very easily and without warning. According to Horse and Hound, while horses are more susceptible to developing colic, around eighty percent of them can easily recover from it if they receive the appropriate treatment at their stable.

El Torreo was the son of Taran De La Pomme. He raced for the Stal de Muze company along with his jockey Bernardo Alvares. El Torreo and Alvares competed at the grand prix level in Geesteren, Netherlands, on 11th June 2023. The duo clinched their spot at the upcoming Paris Olympics, finishing in third place. El Torreo and his rider, Alvares, were on their way to the Global Championships Tour in Monaco to face off the competition in a five-star tournament when this incident occurred. The star showjumper’s death was mourned by his company as well as the whole equestrian world. The company released an official statement on the next day of the horse’s death.

The Mourning Alvares

While it does not come as a surprise, the Brazilian rider of the departed stallion was the most affected by his passing. He acquired his now-late companion from Belgian rider Lelie Walter back in 2017. Alvares was already a jockey of international caliber who had competed at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.

However, after joining the ranks with El Torreo, the duo quickly climbed even higher rankings via consistent performance at the 1.50m level throughout their time in Europe. They also got the chance to appear in the finals of the National Cup in 2021, where they stood in the seventh position. More than a champion, Alvares had finally found a true friend.

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Speaking about El Torreo, Alvares said, “El Torreo had been with me since he was six years old. With him I had the opportunity to be back at the highest level of the sport. Together we won many grands prix…” Alvares also mentioned that El Torreo had won more than 10 FEI Longines. In his final words, Alvares said, “Rest in peace my beloved partner. You will be very missed.”

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