Four-star eventer Hallo Again was put down at the age of 19 earlier this month.
The chestnut, who was known as Harry, was produced and competed throughout his career Laura Grice (nee Fortune).
Laura had initially thought that he was too “flashy” for her, but her mother Susan insisted she buy him as a four-year-old.
“He was a very tricky young horse so went through our trials and tribulations,” Susan told H&H. “He was naughty and arrogant but very beautiful.
“Thankfully once he matured he was wonderful.”
The partnership won the British intermediate championships at Gatcombe in 2004. The following spring Harry jumped a double clear at Badminton as a 10-year-old to finish 16th in his first CCI4*.
Harry’s career was cut short when he sustained a tendon injury after jumping another clear round cross-country at Burghley in 2005.
The 16.3hh competed again briefly in 2007 but was then retired.
The gelding has been at a loan home with a friend of Laura’s for the past six years where he tried his hand at hunting and enjoyed hacking to the local pub. The decision was taken to put him down as his condition was deteriorating.
“I have never ridden a horse like him and will cherish all that he gave me for ever,” Laura said.
Since competing Harry, Laura has not ridden at four-star, but she has got married and has two children.
“I would love to ride at that level again. I am currently eventing an ex-hunter and have bred two foals hoping that one of them may follow in Harry’s footsteps.”
Although his career was cut short, Harry still amassed 306 British Eventing points and jumped more than 40 clears cross-country.
He also completed three three-stars and finished in the top 10 at more than 20 events.
