MANDIBA, the Irish-bred WBFSH Eventing Horse of the Year in 2010, died last week. “He was a love of my life, hugely talented with a bombproof temperament, and I always knew he was special. Named after Nelson Mandela - just as Biko was named after Stephen Biko - Mandiba was a full-brother of High Kingdom,” said the pair’s breeder, William Micklem, who bred them in Enniskerry from his noted Chair Lift - Prefairy mare, High Dolly.

He also sourced the five-star Biko for Karen O’Connor. “I always knew Mandiba was special. He was very beautiful and if you look at my book - Complete Horse Riding Manual - he was the model for my young horse section. Breyer toys even used him as a model.”

“From the first time I saw ‘Doodle’, he showed that special quality of a true champion,” O’Connor told the Irish Horse World. “He won multiple competitions right from his early years. He was stunning and a beautiful mover and jumper. His classic character in the stable was both loving and funny. He took a nap every day without exception.

“My sincere thanks go to Doodle’s team. Specifically, Joan Goswell, his owner; David [O’Connor], Max Corcoran; his groom, Sue Clarke his caretaker in his retirement and, Jacqueline Mars for welcoming Mandiba to her gorgeous farm in Virginia for his last 10 or so years. Thank you for all the great rides my friend. RIP my beautiful pony as you cross over the Rainbow Bridge.”

Mandiba was by Master Imp, the sole stallion to have four eventing progeny at the London Olympics. These included High Kingdom, competed there by Zara Tindall, after his full-brother Mandiba had already made his precocious Olympic debut four years earlier at Hong Kong.

He and O’Connor were also part of the home team at the FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. That achievement was nominated by William as his ‘proudest breeder moment’ in his Breeders’ 10 feature in November 2022:

“What was so special was that not only was Mandiba in the USA team but ridden by Karen, who I taught as a junior on her Connemara pony Erin’s Shamrock. Their cross-country was exceptional. Afterwards, Karen said it was the best round of her life and that year, Mandiba was the WBFSH Horse of the Year. So, all in all, unforgettable.”