Desert Island

[carolsn]

We were all completely devastated by the tragic accident to Desert Island (Sonja) on the XC course at Badminton and feel so much for Louisa who had trained her carefully and sympathetically from pre novices as a 5 year old, to 4 star aged 10.

Sonja was very special to us all. She had a mind of her own, was not an easy ride and continuously tested Louisa. She finally realised that Louisa was as determined as she was, and they began an amazing relationship. You only have to see them on the 2009 XC at Badminton to see how they completely trusted each other and what a great partnership they had. Sonja was only 11 - there was so much more to come - it was a tragedy for us all.

We have complete faith in Louisa and continue to give her our wholehearted support and we are very grateful for all the kind messages which people have emailed and blogged.

Donald Birts, Elleke Carling and Carol Seymour-Newton (Sonja's owners)

 

[rising_promise]

So sorry for your loss :-(

 

[_Rach_]

rip Sonja. Super horse.
x

 

[skint1]

I am so sorry for all of you on the loss of your mare.

 

[aregona]

so sorry for you all, she was a wonderful horse. Louisa and sonja had a great relationship that made us all stop and admire. I was lucky enough to see them in action 'in the flesh' at badminton '09 and they were magical. Wish you all the best of luck for the future, which ever route you all now go down.

 

[NR99]

What a lovely thing to write when in a time of sorrow yourself, so sorry for your loss, best wishes for the future.

Nx

 

[FigJam]

So sorry that you lost such a special mare, she sounds like a total superstar and it's just tragic that you lost her far too young. Best wishes to the whole team . x

 

[alwaysbroke]

What a lovely thing to write when in a time of sorrow yourself, so sorry for your loss, best wishes for the future.

Nx

Couldnt have said it better, a very nice thing to do.

 

[vikkiandmonica]

I was so sad to hear of this tragic disaster, and I am only glad I got the chance to ride her (I was Louisa's groom last summer), and meet the three of you at Hartpury (I think it was). You were all so kind, and I could see the love you had for Sonja. Louisa and her were such a great partnership, it is just such a shame this had to happen. I am so sorry for your loss.

RIP Sonja xxxx

 

[RomanyMayday]

RIP desert Island, Im so sorry for your loss.. xxx

 

[Fiona]

So sorry that you lost such a talented mare.

RIP Sonja

Fiona

 

[Hedgewitch13]

What a lovely post out of such a sad event. I'm so sorry for your loss, you must have been devastated xx

 

[j1ffy]

So so sorry for your loss. RIP Sonja

 

[Thistle]

How thoughtful of you to come on here and post. Times like this show us how fragile we and our horses really are.

 

[Goya]

I echo the comments made. So brave of you to let us all know. Having lost a horse in tragic circumstances I can truly empathise. Sympathies to you all.