Nicola Jourdain's Grand Prix horse Saint Swithens has passed away on Tuesday 26 March 2013. The 18-year old Hanoverian gelding was euthanized after a sudden onset of lameness, which turned out to be incurable.
"His prognosis for any quality of life was very poor and so his brave owner had to make the terrible decision," said Daisy Jackson, who has been riding the horse since 2010. "It has come as an unbelievable shock and I can’t explain how truly heartbroken we all are. He has been my friend and teacher for the last 2+ years and I will miss him every day."
Saint Swithens was bred by Holger Siems in Sebbenhausen, Germany and born in 1995. He was by Saint Cloud out of Joanna. He was originally bought for Nicole Jourdain's mother Sandra as a 5-year old but the horse turned out to be a naughty youngster and Nicole took on the ride.
Jourdain still remembers her first competition on the gelding. "We were both competing at Wellington Riding," she reminisced. "My mother asked me to ride him in a novice class. I had to borrow her jacket and hunt round for a hat. He bolted, bucking and careering to the horseboxes in full gallop. I managed to stay on but felt sorry for the other competitors competing as I sped by."
Saint Swithens was trained and competed by Jourdain up to Grand Prix level. The duo became the 2003 Prix St Georges British Winter Champions. One of their highlights was winning the Grand Prix Special at the 2007 CDI Hartpury.
At the end of 2010 Saint Swithens went to British Daisy Jackson as a schoolmaster. The new duo was recently submitted to the British Junior Progress Squad.
Photo © Caroline Finch
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Saint Swithens
British Junior/Young Rider Squads for 2013 Announced
Spencer Wilton and Dolendo, 2007 British Dressage Champions
Scores: 2003 British Dressage Championships