Malin Baryard-Johnsson’s top mare Butterfly Flip has died at the age of 30.
The Swedish showjumper struck up a fantastic partnership with the brown mare, representing Sweden at two Olympic Games and being crowned the FEI’s best horse and rider combination in 2003.
Announcing the sad news about her beloved Swedish-bred mare, Malin said: “A very dear old friend has left us, the absolutely amazing Butterfly Flip. So many unforgettable memories she gave us all! And what a journey we did together.”
Malin Baryard-Johnsson started riding the Robin I Z x Moderene mare as a six-year-old and enjoyed a winning spree that spanned more than 12 years.
Butterfly Flip took Malin to her first World Cup qualifier at Geneva in 2001 and they went on to compete in five World Cup Finals, finishing in the top 10 three times and finishing third to Marcus Ehning in Las Vegas in 2003.
They jumped at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and again in Athens in 2004 where they won team silver. The pair were also part of the silver medal-winning team at the 2001 European Championships and jumped at two World Championships, winning team silver in 2002.
Butterfly Flip spent her retirement with the De Brabander family.
Continues below…
You saw them here first — top showjumpers’ baby-faced appearances in Horse & Hound
From John Whitaker to Ben Maher, today’s leading riders didn’t get where they are without appearing on the pages of
Record breaking week for Phoebe Peters at pony Europeans
Great Britain's Phoebe Peters said she has had the "most amazing week" after breaking two world records and winning three
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
“This very special lady taught me so much as a rider,” said Malin. “I’m very, very thankful to Kristina [De Brabander] who gave me the opportunity to work with this one of a kind personality and superstar for more than 12 years. RIP dear Flippan, you are for ever in my heart.”
Among the many tributes paid to Malin’s marvellous mare, US showjumper Lauren Hough said: “What an amazing team you two ladies were together.”
Butterfly Flip also produced some top-level offspring and her legacy lives on through the likes of Stephanie Holmen’s 15-year-old mare Flip’s Little Sparrow, a former international grand prix horse for Peder Fredricson. She even has a bit named after her.
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.
