‘Alby’, the horse who took Ros to the highest level in the sport, was put down after sustaining an irreparable injury during the cross-country phase at CHIO Aachen, where he was part of the British team. It’s a premature end to the reigning World Champion’s career.
Bought as a five-year-old from Vere Phillips by co-owner, Caroline Moore, Alby started his competitive career with her before handing the reins over to Emily Parker. Emily produced the horse up to intermediate level at which stage, in 2013, Ros took over the ride and formed what was to become a multi-medal-winning partnership.
Alby took Ros round her first five-star, Burghley, in 2015 and in 2017 the pair tackled their first Badminton, finishing in fifth place and best of the Brits. This result propelled them on to the British Senior Team, winning team gold and finishing fifth individually at the European Championships in Strzegom.
The following year Alby and Ros placed third at Badminton, booking their place on the flight to the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA. An immaculate dressage score completion resulted in both a team gold medal and the individual title of World Champions. Ros and Alby also won a team gold medal at last year’s European Championships in Avenches.
Badminton 2022 was their last five-star run together, Alby finishing 12th – it turned out to be the penultimate run of his stellar career.
“There are no words for the love and respect that I have for Alby,” said Ros. “Time after time he has shown his generosity, kindness and love of our sport. He has been such a huge part in building my career, and will be missed by many.”
Caroline described Alby as, “the horse of a lifetime. The most generous and brave horse that I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. He leaves a big hole.”
British Equestrian eventing performance manager, Richard Waygood, also paid tribute to Alby: “The partnership Ros and he shared is one of the greatest the sport has enjoyed. Together they have given so much to eventing and British teams. Alby will be missed, but will hold a place among the legends of our sport.”
By Ephebe For Ever out of Narenca B, Alby amassed 1365 British Eventing points in his career and had been on the nominated entries list for this year’s eventing World Championships.
Ros & Alby, Aachen 2022 © Trevor Holt