King Solomon Put Down

[ElphabaFae]

Mary King’s Olympic partner, King Solomon III — who enjoyed a second career in dressage in "retirement" — has been put to sleep at the age of 24.


“Solly” amassed more than 1500 British Eventing points with Mary, notching up four top-five CCI**** placings.



Mary retired him the year after the Athens Olympics — where they won team silver — and gave him to her friend Paula Lee, whose husband farms near the Kings in Devon.



The 16.3hh gelding by Old Lucky continued to appear in the pages of H&H with Paula, as the pair enjoyed many wins up to advanced medium and went to the winter championships three times.



Solly was retired from affiliated competition last year, after suffering a bout of lymphangitis [an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels] which caused a hindleg to swell.



“His leg started swelling again on Monday [17 September] Paula told H&H.



“The vet thinks it was complications arising from the lymphangitis. We didn’t want to get to the stage where he was suffering; he was still quite bright.

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/314214.html

 

[MollyMoomin]

How sad

 

[MadisonBelle]

Condolences to all connections

 

[merrymeasure]

Very sad news. My thoughts and condolences to all his connections. RIP "Solly".

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

RIP Brave man; we all miss you. Condolences to Mary & Paula and all the people who "did" him through the years too.

 

[hayinamanger]

Such sad news, he was an exceptional horse. Saw him with Mary at a demo a few years ago, a real privilege.

 

[Twinkley Lights]

So sad RIP lovely man you were a star to watch, condolences to all connections

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

RIP, a great horse and so nice he had two fun careers. A good life, well lived. RIP Solly.

 

[PrillyD]

Rip

 

[lizzi2]

Very sad, a lovely horse. & great for him to enjoy a well-deserved retirement and do so well with his dressage.

 

[Koala Kate]

R.I.P Solly

 

[millhouse]

Very sad news. Rest in peace Solly. You were a lovely horse.

 

[Honey08]

RIP, bless him. I always love the fact that Mary's horses go onto lovely homes with people she know. My thoughts are with all that knew him well.xx