Baloubet De Talma, a prime journey of French Olympic showjumper Penelope Leprevost, has died following an accident, aged 15.
The Baloubet De Rouet son joined Penelope in January 2025 and competed in top-level grands prix and World Cup legs, together with at London Worldwide and Hickstead.
“Balou” was bred by Haras De Talma in France and began his worldwide profession with Alexandra Francart in younger horse courses, then was produced up the degrees by Audrey Teixidor and Valentin Pacaud.
Penelope stepped Balou as much as five-star in April 2025; they competed at main exhibits together with Royal Windsor, St Gallen CSIO5*, and the Paris leg of the World Champions Tour. A few of their prime outcomes included ending twelfth individually within the Hickstead Nations Cup, and fifth within the London Worldwide World Cup leg.
Penelope mentioned Balou died following “an accident whereas free” on Monday (18 Might).
“Thanks for every little thing you gave to all those that have been fortunate sufficient to cross your path,” she mentioned.
“Your fiery temperament within the enviornment, your generosity and braveness, your gentleness and kindness day-after-day made you an distinctive horse that we’ll always remember. Thanks for every little thing, Balou.”
A spokesperson for Haras De Talma mentioned Balou’s temperament made him “really distinctive” and that he had a “coronary heart greater than himself”.
“Your power was typically tough to channel, you at all times needed to offer 150%. From a really younger age you left an actual mark on the minds of everybody you met,” he mentioned.
The spokesperson mentioned Balou was “extraordinary from a really younger age” and he credited Audrey and Valentin for his or her success with him, earlier than a “new love story” began between Balou, Penelope and her groom Amelie, which “propelled” him to prime grands prix.
“Your assembly with Penelope allowed you to earn your home. A spot among the many greats,” he mentioned.
“There wasn’t a contest the place Penelope didn’t inform us about your achievements. If you happen to made a mistake she would say: ‘It doesn’t matter, when you solely knew how a lot I like him’.
“You acquired love till your final breath. You allow an enormous void within the hearts of everybody who knew you. Thanks a hundredfold for every little thing you gave us.”
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H&H senior information author
Since becoming a member of H&H in 2018, Becky has lined a broad vary of equestrian information together with welfare issues, veterinary research, FEI Tribunal hearings and highway 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 Fortress 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.
