Richard Davison’s team at Combridge had to say goodbye to yard matriarch, Ballaseyr Royale, on Tuesday morning 2 May 2017. Richard reported that the 27-year old mare 'looked very well but old age had recently started to take its toll’.
Bred by Inge Kataballe in Denmark and born in 1990, the Danish warmblood registrered mare Royale (by Picandt x Matador) was a half sister to Blue Hors Matine, both out of Matadie. Royale was originally named Matajo.
Owned by Gwendolyn Sontheim, ‘Royale’ represented Ireland at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney under Heike Holstein and with Richard Davison in the saddle the mare represented Great Britain at Olympic, World and European Championships as well as FEI World Cup Finals and was the 2003 National champion. Earlier that year, the duo were part of the European Championship team which claimed a historic bronze at Hickstead, scoring 70%+ in all three tests.
Royale was retired fit and sound after the Athens Olympics in 2004 and Richard and Gwendolyn decided to breed from her. Her first foal was by Lingh, duly named Bubblingh, and is Richard’s current Grand Prix ride.
Richard said; “Today is a very sad day for us all at Combridge. I know I am not the only one to shed tears at her passing as Royale held a special place in the hearts of all our staff both past and present. I would like to thank all of them and everyone else who contributed to Royale’s care including our travelling grooms, vets, farrier, physio, Louise Morton and all of the support team within Team GBR and the UK Sport World Class Programme.
"But I will always be most indebted to Royale’s owner, our loyal supporter and friend Gwendolyn Sontheim, for granting me the privilege of riding Royale and entrusting her care to me."
"Royale’s story is not only that of an extraordinary and wonderful horse, but also of an on-going journey that united so many special people. This was part of her legacy; this was her gift. We’ll miss her big kind eyes and huge ears, always pricked forward.”
Photo © Dirk Caremans
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Ballaseyr Royale
Richard Davison Excited About "Bubblingh" 2016 Show Season
A Colt for Ballaseyr Royale
Ballaseyr Royale to Retire to a New Career as Brood Mare
Richard Davison, 2003 British Dressage Champion with Ballaseyr Royale
Ballaseyr Stables Signed up Richard Davison as New Competition Rider
Heike Holstein Loses Sponsorship
