The dangers of Equestrianism are equally braved by the rider and his/her animal. Tripping on something, falling head-first into the ground, collisions, etc, are just some of the common forms of injuries that occur in the sport. However, seldom does one consider the workload put in by a horse while running in these events. They are looked after and maintained at every step with utmost care to ensure their safe health and fitness. But that does not always bereave them from any health risks. These issues do deserve the spotlight, especially after William Fox-Pitt’s five-star-ride ‘Oratorio’ death of a recent heart attack.

With the amount of energy a horse burns during any event, dressage or otherwise, the heart is constantly pumping blood at a much higher rate. While usually accounted for, these aspects now demand extra attention after Pitt’s horse collapsed “out of nowhere”.

A wake-up call to all trainers: Oratorio’s sad demise

The Lincolnshire Horse Trials were underway on 19th March at the Burghley House, on the south side of the lake. The 3-day trial features dressage, cross country, and jumping that truly puts the mettle of the horse and rider to the test. It started out well for Oratorio and Pitt as they got off to a flier.

William Fox Pitt said on his official website, “Oratorio got the day off to a brilliant start in the dressage with a score of 23, he felt so established and relaxed”. But soon enough, things took a turn for the worse. Pitt continued, “The cross-country turned the day into a tragedy… But then the worst happened; we were galloping towards the last fence and he collapsed and died from a heart attack”.

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It not only shocked Pitt but everyone else there too. According to Pitt, Oratorio showed no signs or symptoms that could’ve made someone anticipate such an outcome. Pitt, who previously lost his two-time five-star winning horse, Parklane Hawk, was once again at a loss for words.

Oratorio’s untimely death puts Pitt in a tough spot

“There is no easy way of saying this but it was out of nowhere, he was one minute feeling fantastic and next minute gone, and I have to take consolation from the fact that he did not suffer, there was no indication that anything was untoward”, Pitt said, as his shock and disheartenment were oozing out in his words.

Pitt, one of Britain’s top equestrians, was eagerly looking forward to the Badminton Horse Trials 2023 with his beloved Oratorio. That he was a mature five-star bred horse really strengthened Pitt’s chances at the tournament. But besides that, the loss at hand that Pitt suffered is far more impactful than just the race. As is evident, the relationship a rider develops with his/her ride is always special.

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