In 2006, a friend of mine sent me a link to a YouTube video of the international WEG2006 Freestyle Dressage Final at Aachen. A big grey mare gave a performance that was truly inspired and had the audience clapping and rooting for her. (HIGHLY unusual — dressage tests are about as loud as a tennis match.) I was blown away and inspired to ride more. This big mare, Blue Hors Matine, was dancing and having fun. You could see how much she enjoyed herself and how much her rider, Andreas Helgstrand, adored her. They rode beautifully. Inspiring. Even non-horse people were excited by the video:
Blue Hors Matine was only 9 when she won the silver in that championship competition. Very young for a horse to be performing at Grand Prix level (highest level in dressage). Amazing.
Today a friend of mine on Twitter posted a message that Blue Hors Matine was put down because she broke her leg while playing in her paddock.
She was one of the most amazing mares. Over 16 million people watched the video of her performance at Aachen. I hope whereever she is that she has green pastures, herd mates to play with, and lots of love and affection.
