British Grand Prix rider Amy Stovold had to say goodbye to her number one Grand Prix horse Macbrian. The Swedish warmblood gelding was euthanized right before Christmas at age 18.
Macbrian was born in 1997 in Sweden and originally named Mac Brian Poppelhag. He was by Briar out of Brazanja (by Brabant x Pontus). He was reared as a stallion by Inger Persson.
Under Stovold Macbrian made his national Grand Prix debut in 2009. Their international debut was at the 2010 CDIO Saumur. The liver chestnut injured himself at the 2012 CDI Biarritz and while resting to recover, suffered a series of colic episodes. The gelding’s return to fitness was achieved with the help of water treadmill exercise. He returned to the ring in 2013 when Macbrian was a 17-year old. He achieved his career highlight score of 74.32% at a national show in Hickstead that year.
In June 2013 Stovold announced Macbrian's "semi-retirement" as he was not 100% fit for top level sport. After a year of careful management the horse returned to fitness thanks to the dedicated help of a farrier. Macbrian was last competed at the 2015 British Dressage Championships at age 18, where he finished fifth twice (Grand Prix score 68.72 - kur score 68.88%).
Macbrian, who was co-owned by Julia and Nick Jacobs, was euthanized because a fracture in his pelvis failed to heal.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Macbrian
Amy Stovold Retires Macbrian from Competition Sport
Amy Stovold Builds on International Success in Salzberg
Amy Stovold Scores First International Win at 2010 CDI Pompadour