Danish young rider Liva Guldager Nielsen has lost her main horse, Don Caballero.
Don Caballero was a 13-year old Danish warmblood gelding by Don Olymbrio out of Dolcivita (by Don Schufro x Lavallo). He was bred by Jytte Strangholt and Kurt Nørskov.
Liva Guldager
The chestnut made its national show debut in Denmark in 2017 under Carina Cassoe Kruth, who competed him in three classes in the early winter. She returned to the arena for one show in July 2020 at MB-level.
The horse sold to Dorthe Guldager for her daughter Liva Addy, who was making the transition from ponies to junior level. The new duo debuted in Denmark in November 2020.
The pair's international show debut was at the 2021 CDI-J Hagen. They also won bronze at the 2021 Danish Junior Championshps. In 2022 they competed at CDI's in Opglabbeek, Troisdorf, Aalborg, and Hagen but did not make it on the Danish team for the 2022 Euros. They won bronze at the 2022 Danish Junior Riders Championships.
In 2023 Liva competed Don Caballero in only two national classes at small tour level while her trainer Selina Solberg Vittinghus rode him at the CDI Falsterbo.
Untimely Passing
Today, Liva posted the sad news that Don Caballero has passed away.
"Don was fighting for his life for 8 days. Unfortunately, last week, there was no more we could do to save his life," Liva took to Instagram.
Liva told Eurodressage, “infortunately it was a serious salmonella bacteria causing a severe fever and colic. Salmonella is almost impossible to cure we were told.”
"He was my hope, my happiness, my ambition and my heart horse," Liva added. "I am gonna miss his amazing personality and drive. The rides - the laughs - the memories - the opportunities he has given me. I’m so happy for the 4,5 years we had together - but how unfair it is that it had to end so soon."
Photos © Astrid Appels
Related Links
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