Belgian Young Rider team member Alexa Fairchild has lost her second horse Totall Tip Top in a freak accident on Tuesday 17 December 2014. The gelding fatally injured himself, ill-jumping the fence during his daily turnout.
Alexa Fairchild has been a long time member of the Belgian youth teams competing on the Belgian team from pony to junior and young riders level as a steady member for the past seven years.
The Fairchild family acquired the Dutch warmblood gelding Totall Tip Top (by Metall x Ulster) in 2010 as junior riders' horse for Alexa to transition from ponies to horses.
The 14-year old dark bay gelding, who was nicknamed "BouBoule", proved to be a gifted mover with exceptional quality for the canter work, but he was also very sensitive to ride. Alexa competed him with mixed results at the 2011 European Junior Riders Championships in Broholm, Denmark. At the 2012 European Junior Riders Championships in Berne, Switzerland, they were the best Belgian duo alongside Jorinde Verwimp, when they finished 13th in the Kur to Music Finals.
In 2013 new ride Timor came along and the now 20-year old Alexa has been campaigning both Totall Tip Top and Timor steadily the past two years. Timor, however, moved to the forefront and Alexa recently made the transition to Under 25 Grand Prix level with him.
"BouBoule was my first horse after ponies. He wasn't always easy but I loved his character and he brought me so much joy and taught me so much," Alexa commented.
Photos © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Totall Tip Top
Alexa Fairchild Heading to Seventh, Consecutive European Championships
Young Riders Nekeman and Fairchild Stamp Their Authority at 2014 CDI Compiegne
Young Rider Alexa Fairchild Wields the Axe of Power at the 2013 CDI Vidauban
Grand Prix Horse Tum Tum Acquired for Alexa Fairchild
Alexa Fairchild Sweeps Pony Division at 2010 CDI-P Pompadour