French team pony Diana has passed away in the morning of Saturday 5 September 2015. Two days ago Diana developed a fever and despite veterinary treatment she had to be euthanized. A necropsy is being carried out to determine the cause of death.
Diana was a 12-year old Rhinelander bred German Riding Pony mare by FS Don't Worry out of Dorina (by Dream Velvet).
Diana was acquired by David and Lynn Stickland in 2011 through coach Coby van Baalen. Stickland's daughter Clarissa competed Diana and took her to two French Pony Champion's title and one Pony Freestyle Champion title. The duo represented France at two European Pony Championships (Arezzo, Millstreet).
Arthur Barthel took over the ride on Diana in 2015 and made it straight onto the French pony team. After competing at the CDI's in Vidauban, Saumur and Compiegne, Barthel finished 26th in the individual test at the 2015 European Pony Championships in Malmo, Sweden.
David Stickland remembers Diana as "a beautiful character and friend for all of us, but especially for Clarissa. They grew up in riding together and Clarissa
grew up as a person and athlete with her."
French pony team trainer and Chef d'equipe Alizee Froment sent warm words to Clarissa and Arthur for the loss of Diana. "One will learn, over time, to deal with the loss by transforming the void of absence into memories that warm the heart. One day, one hour, one minute, one second at a time. We're paying our respect to Arthur and Clarissa who have marked their career forever on Diana. She took them on the road to high performance sport. Those who crossed roads with Diana know that she was amongst those ponies that have an extraordinary personality."
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
French Team Selected for 2015 European Pony Championships
What's Happening: August 2014 - Part 1
French Team Selected for 2014 European Pony Championships after Nationals in Lamotte Beuvron
Clarissa Stickland Wins 2013 French Pony Championships
A Day at the 2011 French Pony Championships in Lamotte-Beuvron