Carol Bardo’s superlative large riding horse The Philanderer has been retired from competition, after injuring a tendon.
The 11-year-old was wintering out with his fieldmate Comberton Clancy when he injured himself “careering around the field” said Carol.
The “quirky” grey has had a glittering show career with Jayne Webber.
“Phil’s” numerous titles include standing riding horse champion of the year at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2008, supreme horse at HOYS the following year and supreme at the Royal International and riding horse champion at Royal Windsor in 2010.
But despite his angelic looks this son of Kilvington Scoundrel lives up to his sire’s name.
“He has never been easy – he’s a law unto himself,” said Jayne. “He has his individual likes in everything – he has to have blue water buckets or he won’t drink – and is equally difficult when ridden.
“But he is very special – that’s part of his appeal.”
Jayne said they had hoped to make 2012 his last season in the showring and go out with a “last hurrah at some nice shows” but his injury 10 days ago put paid to that.
“It’s a shame but the injury will take time to get right and it’s not worth trying to get him back after that,” she said.
Phil will spend his retirement on Jayne’s yard as a happy hacker and field companion to his best pals Comberton Clancy and Silverstream.
