Imperial HBF, the previous British staff horse who joined McLain Ward final 12 months, has died aged 13.
McLain stated “Paddy” was put down on Tuesday (10 February) following problems from colic.
“Paddy suffered a bout of colic and, regardless of two surgical procedures and each potential effort to save lots of him, the extremely tough determination was made – by his proprietor Michael Smith, myself, and a faithful staff of caretakers and veterinarians – that the kindest and most humane alternative was to let him go,” stated McLain.
“Paddy fought tirelessly, simply as he did all through his profession as a competitor, and our total household and staff are devastated by his loss. Throughout this difficult time, his proprietor, Mike Smith, exemplified true horsemanship, spending numerous hands-on hours by Paddy’s aspect, doing the whole lot potential to help his restoration and by no means wavering in his belief within the staff caring for him.”
McLain added that the vets and help employees at Rood & Riddle Wellington together with Dr Tim Ober, “have been nothing in need of extraordinary”.
“As at all times, I’m deeply grateful to my very own staff for his or her unwavering dedication and compassion all through this course of. Godspeed, Imperial,” he stated.
Imperial HBF was bred by Laura Tinto of HBF Stud, in Glasgow. He was produced as a younger horse by Alex Barr, selecting up prime placings at residence and overseas. Tim purchased the son of Glasgow VH Merelsnest in 2022 and he was put within the possession of Unex Equestrian alongside Tim’s father Invoice Gredley and Tim’s spouse Rachel.
In a earlier H&H interview Tim stated: “We began fairly small and labored our method up. It was a bit testing at instances – I bear in mind strolling out of the grand prix at Wellington on my toes as a result of he jumped so excessive – however when horses have that type of high quality and you’ve got that perception in them, you’re at all times prepared to place the effort and time into them. Ultimately he got here good.”
Imperial HBF with Tim Gredley.
Tim and Imperial HBF jumped on the prime degree at prestigious exhibits around the globe and Tim credited him for getting “my profession again the place I wished it to be”. They represented Nice Britain at Nations Cups, together with in St Gallen, Barcelona and Hickstead, and Longines League of Nations occasions in Florida, Rotterdam and Abu Dhabi.
Imperial HBF was offered to McLain in March 2025. Tim stated he was unhappy however described it as thrilling for Paddy’s future – including that his going to McLain “was a giant a part of the equation” and he believed the pair could be contenders for the Rolex grands prix and different large lessons.
Throughout their time collectively McLain and Imperial HBF proved an thrilling mixture with grand prix placings in La Baule, Dublin, and Aachen. Their final worldwide look was at Traverse Metropolis, Michigan, USA.
You may additionally be fascinated about:
Tim Gredley and Imperial HBF competing in Basel, Switzerland, this 12 months.
Credit score: MXIMD Photos / Alamy Inventory Picture
Jack Whitaker and Jack JL representing Nice Britain within the Longines League of Nations LLN of Saint Tropez.
Credit score: FEI/MARTIN DOKOUPIL
Credit score: Future
H&H senior information author
Since becoming a member of H&H in 2018, Becky has coated a broad vary of equestrian information together with welfare issues, veterinary research, FEI Tribunal hearings and street security campaigns. She has additionally interviewed prime riders together with Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to call only a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, in addition to the Royal Highland and Blair Citadel Worldwide Horse Trials nearer to residence. She was additionally a key a part of the distant reporting staff for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
