The 15-year old Australian warmblood Grand Prix gelding HP Frontier has passed away. The bay gelding was retired from competition in May 2013 after sustaining an injury, but his condition deteriorated and he had to be euthanized.
The tall dark bay gelding HP Frontier was owned by Finnish Katja Kuistila and last competed by British Grand Prix rider Sarah Millis. At the 2013 CDIO Vidauban, the horse failed to pass the vet check. He had suffered an injury, which turned out to be career-ending, and was retired to the field.
"Unfortunately his condition deteriorated and to avoid any suffering the most difficult decision was made to put him to sleep," Millis explained. "He had the biggest heart, always tried and gave everything, what more can you ask for. He was my best friend, loved by so many and will be missed so much."
Frontier was bred by Holstein Park stud in Australia and was by Falkrich out of Liberty Light (by Sterling Liberty x Lander). He first came into the spotlight under Australian rider Judy Dierks. Between 2006 and 2008 Dierks competed him at FEI level.
In 2009 the horse was shipped to Hof Kasselmann in Germany to be sold. PSI rider Stefanie Kerner competed him briefly and in 2011 the horse re-appeared in the international show ring under Millis and owned by Kuistila
Millis and HP Frontier showed at top competitions in Neumunster, Saumur, Perl, Oldenburg, Drachten, Amsterdam and Vidauban.
"I can only thank his owner, Katja Kuistilan for the time she gave me with this very special horse," Millis concluded.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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