OWNERS Richard and Tanja Ames and rider Robbie Kearns were all left heartbroken last weekend when sadly losing their recent European team silver medallist Chance Encounter. The 16-year-old Creevagh Grey Rebel gelding has been partnered by Kearns since 2023 and their results include a top 10 at CCI5* level as well as a senior European silver medal just last month. He was previously ridden by Gillian Beale King, Daniel Alderson and Caroline Powell.

In a heartfelt tribute, Robbie said: “Last weekend was incredibly difficult for everyone at Belline. We said goodbye to Harry (Chance Encounter). I still can’t quite believe it. He wasn’t just a horse to me. He was my best mate, my teammate and my partner in everything.

“Harry gave me everything. He was a true warrior, unbelievably brave, and he had the biggest heart I’ve ever known. He was the horse that made dreams possible. He trusted me, and I trusted him. Together, we finished top 10 at Luhmühlen 5*, won a silver medal for Ireland at the European Championships in Blenheim, and had our sights set firmly on even more in the year to come. He should have had the retirement he earned, kicking up his heels with that mad little spark in his eye. But life can be unbelievably unfair and he was taken from us too soon.”

Robbie thanked Richard and Tanja for believing in them as a partnership and his groom Max who looked after Harry, as well as all the people who have reached out since. “You changed my life. I’ll never stop missing you,” he added.

Richard Ames also paid tribute to the gelding, saying: “More than a special horse… Harry embodied everything you only dream of in an event horse; courage, a huge heart, and endless talent. We are absolutely heartbroken and this only outlines how precious these ‘once in a lifetime’ horses are... Our heart horse.”