2016 North American Junior Riders' Champion Greystoke Passed Away

Fri, 08/18/2017 - 09:35
American Dressage News

Greystoke, the Oldenburg gelding that won the 2016 North American Junior Riders Championships and 2016 U.S. Junior Riders Championships under Jenna Upchurch, has passed away following a colic attack.

"His hoof prints will fade away but they will always be in our hearts, rest in peace out beloved Greystoke, Oz, Ozzie," said Jenna's mom Diane Upchurch. "He was a once in a lifetime partner to both Jenna Upchurch and her coach Martin Kuhn." Jenna added, "I knew you were an angel, but I didn't know you would be needed back in heaven so soon. My sweet boy, the world never knew a more beautiful soul, and I am thankful for every moment I was able to spend with you."

Greystoke was a Danish bred Oldenburg gelding by Rosentanz out of Ginger (by Michelangelo). He was bred by Mikala Bagge and discovered as a foal by Astrid Appels in Denmark.

The grey gelding sold as a 4-year old to Kate and Martin Kuhn in the U.S.A.. Martin Kuhn trained the horse up to small tour level and sold it as a schoolmaster to the Upchurch family. 

Jenna and Greystoke made their CDI debut in 2016 and won individual test and kur gold at the 2016 North American Junior Riders Championships in Parker, CO. They went on to win the national U.S. Junior Riders Champion title. This year the pair made the transition to Young Riders level and finished 12th at the 2017 North American Young Riders Championships in Saugerties, NY, in July. 

Greystoke suffered a severe bout of colic and could not be saved.

Photos © Sue Stickle

Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Greystoke 
Upchurch Wins Junior Title, Davis Young Riders' Title at 2016 U.S. Youth Riders Championships
U.S. Region 3 and Jenna Upchurch Win Gold at the 2016 North American Junior Riders Championships