Beatriz Ferrer-Salat's Faberge Passed Away

Dressage

Spain

Beatriz Ferrer-Salat has said goodbye to her retired international Grand Prix horse Faberge. The 29-year old gelding was put to sleep on 13 July 2025.

Faberge was a 1996 born Hanoverian by Falkland out of Akelei (by Akzent I x Waidmannsheil). He was bred by Wilfried Meyer. He was named after the famous Russian jewelry designer.

Beatriz Ferrer-Salat

The back sold to Spanish Olympian Beatriz Ferrer-Salat in 2000 as a successor for her 2004 Olympic medal winning mount Beauvalais, alongside Delgado.

The pair made its small tour debut in 2004 and its international Grand Prix debut in 2007 at the CDI-W London, the same year they won silver at the 2007 Spanish Dressage Championships.

In 2008 they had a successful season with starts in the Sunshine Tour, Ponte de Lima, Saumur, Lingen and Aachen and clinched a team spot for the 2008 Olympic Games. Unfortunately in Hong Kong, the horse sustained an injury and had to be withdrawn. It was a tragedy for Spain who had not sent a travelling reserve (Juan Matute Azpitarte with Wie Atlantico) along with the team and the country lost its team spot.

It took almost two years for Faberge to make his come back to the arena, which he did at the CDI La Mandria in Turin in March 2010. He also competed in Achleiten, Vidauban, Biarritz and Lyon that year but was not selected for the 2010 WEG in Lexington as an fully PRE bred team was sent and wrote history for the breed in the USA. They won the 2010 Spanish Dressage Championships.

Delgado took over the number one spot in the barn, while Faberge became a great second horse as the Westfalian was injury prone. In 2011 Faberge got his time to shine as he won two classes at the CDI Vidauban and scored strongly in Fritzen. he was nominated on the Spanish team for the European Championships in Rotterdam. The pair placed 32nd with 67.842%.

Faberge's last year in international sport was 2012. The then 16-year old gelding showed in Vidauban, Toledo, Fritzens and Aachen, his last show in his career, closing it off with a 66.021% in the Grand Prix.

Beatriz was selected to represent Spain at the 2012 Olympics Games with Delgado, but had to withdraw him due to an injury. Faberge ended up being named reserve, while the initially appointed reserve Jose Daniel Martin Docks (Grandioso) replaced Delgado last minute.

Saying Goodbye

Faberge spent a long happy retirement at Bea's yard, Villa Equus, on the outskirts of Barcelona, Spain.

She reported his passing yesterday.

"You came into my hands when you were only four years old. At the beginning you were very fearful, but with time, that shyness gave way to confidence, talent and the connection that everyone could see in the most demanding rings," Bea wrote. "You have been one of the most important horses in my life, and together we have shared a quarter of a century, from the age of 4 to your 29 years. You lived your last years as you deserved: happy, calm and free, in your paddock."

Bea continued, "when I was in Aachen they told me that you were coming to the end and I took a flight to see you. Yesterday we shared a few hours of memories, intimacy and trust, and today I say goodbye forever. Now you will be able to enjoy with all your colleagues: with Delgado, Beauvalais and Sir Radjah, among others. You have been a great teacher, and above all, a dear friend. Thank you for everything, Fabi."