Navalgem
Well-Known Member
Helios was pts yesterday at the grand age of 27.
I was privileged enough to know him for a number of years. He was always an absolute gentleman whether he was competing or covering mares, loved cuddles, carrots and mints - then sucked his lips afterwards!
He had a very impressive competition record, competing at Top International Level Show Jumping with Aubry Noyez of Belgium before being imported to the UK where he was placed at all the Major UK Venues including RIHS, Hickstead Derby, SCOPE and Olympia (with Tim Stockdale). He also represented GB all over Europe including CSI Jerez, CSIO Lisbon, CSI Barcelona, Cavan International, CSIO Reims and Wierden. He last competed in 2005 (aged 21) at the National Amateur Championships, in the 5 Fence Challenge, where he came second out of a huge field, beaten by only 1 second in a massive jump off (1.50m) by a horse less than half his age! A very impressive feat I'm sure you'll all agree.
Sadly, although he was looking very well and still very alert and happy, his legs were beginning to give up and he could no longer canter round his field, so his owner, Angela of CVS Stud made the decision we all never want to make, and had him pts. He had a last 'play out' and was fed masses of carrots and mints, and went softly, sucking his lips after the treats.
Everyone who knew him loved him, and he really was the gentlest stallion, so talented, kind and intelligent. So tonight I'll raise a glass to the memory of a great horse, a great friend and above all, a true gentleman who will be very sadly missed.
I was privileged enough to know him for a number of years. He was always an absolute gentleman whether he was competing or covering mares, loved cuddles, carrots and mints - then sucked his lips afterwards!
He had a very impressive competition record, competing at Top International Level Show Jumping with Aubry Noyez of Belgium before being imported to the UK where he was placed at all the Major UK Venues including RIHS, Hickstead Derby, SCOPE and Olympia (with Tim Stockdale). He also represented GB all over Europe including CSI Jerez, CSIO Lisbon, CSI Barcelona, Cavan International, CSIO Reims and Wierden. He last competed in 2005 (aged 21) at the National Amateur Championships, in the 5 Fence Challenge, where he came second out of a huge field, beaten by only 1 second in a massive jump off (1.50m) by a horse less than half his age! A very impressive feat I'm sure you'll all agree.
Sadly, although he was looking very well and still very alert and happy, his legs were beginning to give up and he could no longer canter round his field, so his owner, Angela of CVS Stud made the decision we all never want to make, and had him pts. He had a last 'play out' and was fed masses of carrots and mints, and went softly, sucking his lips after the treats.
Everyone who knew him loved him, and he really was the gentlest stallion, so talented, kind and intelligent. So tonight I'll raise a glass to the memory of a great horse, a great friend and above all, a true gentleman who will be very sadly missed.
