Margo Timmermans' retired international Grand Prix horse Utah has passed away on 1 June 2021. He was 20 years old.
Utah was a Dutch warmblood gelding by Metall out of Goodwil (by Animo). He was bred by A. Arts in the Netherlands.
Margo discovered Utah as a 3-month old foal and trained him all the way to Grand Prix herself.
In 2012 Timmermans made her international Grand Prix debut on the bright bay gelding at the CDI Stadl Paura. Utah was not always the most co-operative in the show ring, hypersensitive and spooky, which resulted in high and low scores on the board. They went on to compete at CDI's in Pompadour, Treffen, Kapellen, Arnheim and Nieuw en St Joosland and got more consistent over the years.
The pair last competed internationally at the CDI Achleiten in June 2015. Utah could not recover from a sport injury which he sustained, which was the reason for his retirement. In July 2016 she officially retired him from sport.
Timmermans continued at Grand Prix level with successor Catch Me (by Dreamcatcher).
On 1 June 2021, Timmermans decided to euthanize Utah as his legs had given out.
"What a crazy wild journey we had together," Margo took to Facebook. "Twenty years we had ups and downs. So many great moments, so many shows all over the world. Nation cups, team horse, World cups. We did it all. Today we had to say goodbye. Your legs gave you too much trouble last week. But in your head you were still 3 years young. We could not help you. Utah thank you for being such a great friend and teacher. I hope I gave you the life you wanted. Till we meet again."
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Utah
Margo Timmermans' Utah Retired from Competition
Scores: 2013 Dutch Dressage Championships