‘One of a kind’: sad farewell to brilliant one-eyed stallion, who has died at the age of 24

The great international showjumping stallion H&M Tornesch 1042 has died at the age of 24.

During a remarkable career spanning nearly a decade, the one-eyed Tornesch and Swedish rider Malin Baryard-Johnsson reigned as one of the world’s most successful partnerships.

“H&M Tornesch was a fantastic horse, with an amazing personality, and we really got close during our years together,” said Malin paying tribute to the impeccably bred Lux x Libero H stallion.

The spectacular bay Tornesch was placed in World Cup and grand prix competitions across the world and proved a pillar of the Swedish showjumping team, jumping to Nations Cup success and flying the flag at two European championships, in 2011 and 2015.

The stallion battled with an issue in his right eye for eight years before it was removed in 2013, but he continued to compete at the highest level until the 15-year-old was retired by Malin in 2015 shortly after their final competitive appearance at Olympia Horse Show in London.

Tornesch went on to compete with his owner Helena Hugoson-Feldt and Thomas Felt’s daughter Emelie until 2017.

Malin Baryard-Johnsson: “H&M Tornesch gave me so many great results and memories”

H&M Tornesch died this week at the age of 24, but his legacy lives on in his superb offspring including British showjumper Sameh El Dahan’s top horse WKD Toronto and five-star sport horses Oakingham Lira and Cape Cod.

“We had so many great results and memories, he was one of a kind and has meant a lot for me and my career,” said Malin.

His owners Helena Hugoson-Feldt and Thomas Felt paid tribute to Tornesch when he retired: “Thank you so much Tornesch for all the wonderful moments you have given us, your rider and Sweden during your career at the highest level.”

Malin Baryard-Johnsson and H&M Tornesch helped Sweden win Nations Cup competitions in Barcelona and Falsterbo and competed in three World Cup Finals together, in 2011, 2013 and 2014. Tornesch was approved for breeding by the Holstein studbook.

At the time of his retirement, Malin reflected on “eight fantastic years and every magic moment”.

“After hundreds of rounds, thousands of jumps and uncountable hours of training together we became best friends and partners,” she said at the time. “I’m for ever grateful and you will always have a special place in my heart. Good luck with everything and think of me sometimes.”

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Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.