TRIBUTES were paid to Sandra Blake Farrell’s veteran dressage horse Saint Emilion (1995-2021) who passed away last weekend. A true ambassador for dressage in Ireland, Sandra described him as her ‘horse of a lifetime’ and an ‘exceptional horse I had the pleasure to have in my life for over 15 years’.

Loved and treasured by many he will always be remembered for how much he gave in his dressage career. “We had the most incredible journey together dancing our way up the levels to reach Grand Prix and remain there for many years,” recalled Sandra in her Facebook tribute.

With umpteen successes to his name, including National Championship titles, Grand Prix freestyles were his particular favourite. “There was no stopping him once the music started. He made dreams come true.”

Many students gained their first real feel for dressage movements at higher level off his back and Saint Emilion proved the ultimate schoolmaster.

Sandra said: “His upbeat attitude and love for pleasing people was part of his make up. He genuinely loved performing, he oozed eagerness and willingness making dreams possible.”

The past couple of years Emil enjoyed an easy-going life, going on pleasure rides with Sandra’s niece Leyla and she even got to sit her own children up on him.

“For all the people that had the pleasure to learn and experience riding him over the years, I know he will always hold a special place in your hearts. Wonderful memories with a truly wonderful horse

He had a peaceful ending to his life with love all around him with whispers in his ear reminding him how loved he was as he crossed the rainbow bridge

Old age caught up with the 26-year-old who never looked his years.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart Rolf and Ulla Seidel for trusting me with this exceptional horse. I can’t thank you enough for the opportunities you gave me as a rider with this special boy over the years in Dollanstown Stud where he spent most his life and in recent years, at Emerald.

“Special thanks to vets at Blackwater Vetinary Clinic and Equivet, his farrier Shane Byrne, his physio Niamh from Equine Therapies Ireland for always making him feel at his absolute best,” concluded Sandra.