A four-star event rider has paid tribute to her advanced horse who was put down last week.
Nana Dalton’s three-star horse Uwald, known as Ollie, was put down last Tuesday (16 June) following an injury sustained at Bramham earlier this month (10-14 June).
The bay gelding, owned by Sheila Barker, was produced by Nana’s sister Tricia Price from pre-novice to CCI2* level.
Nana, who is based in Haslemere, Surrey, took on the ride in 2011.
Nana described Ollie as an “incredibly kind and laid back horse, with a lovely character”.
The 16.1h gelding, by Orame and out of Omy Wald, racked up a total of 69 British Eventing points and competed at numerous three-day events with Nana.
The combination’s highlights included fifth place in the CCI* at Hartpury in 2011 and 11th in the CIC3* at Hopeton in 2012, as well as several placings at one day events.
Ollie was known for demanding cuddles and would pop over five-bar gates when turned out in the field.
He hunted with Tricia, who led ponies from him at a childrens’ meet two days before he contested the CCI2* at Osberton several years ago.
“He was patient and good humoured about trying to help my husband [Adam] master the art of rising trot,” she added.
“Even when we were bent double laughing, he had his ears pricked and never lost a beat in his trot rhythm.”
However, he did have problems with injuries.
He recovered from a serious stifle injury following a fall with Tricia before going on to compete at top-level competition and also injured a tendon in the field in 2013.
With Nana he competed in the CCI3* at Bramham, where he jumped a clear cross-country. No further details of his injury are known.
“He leaves a massive hole in the yard and in our hearts but [I] will always be thankful for the times we had together,” said Nana.
The event rider paid tribute to the vets at the Yorkshire event, who she described as “excellent”, and bandaged Ollie’s leg up so he could travel home.
