From Jacky Green:
Photo by Samantha Clark
Mrs Tilly
Highlighting to the extreme the ups and downs of eventing
Caroline Powell posted the best result for the Kiwis this weekend by
winning the advanced at Burgham with rising star Onwards and Upwards
and then returned home to find four star mare Mrs Tilly not happy.
To cut to the point Mrs Tilly went to the vets
later that evening having been happy and hacking the previous day and
having posted a good test and double clear at Lincoln HT last weekend.
The direct quote from the vets: ” It is with great sadness that
we report the death of “Mrs Tilly” . From the first report of very
mild signs of disease on Friday, her medical condition deteriorated
rapidly through Saturday afternoon and evening in spite of prompt, intensive
veterinary care. By lunchtime on Sunday , with her condition continuing
to deteriorate, the difficult decision was made to put her to sleep.
The precise nature of the conditions affecting Mrs Tilly has not been
identified, however, the nature of her symptoms were consistent with
an enchephalitus of some kind. This type of disease is extremely
rare in the UK”.
Caroline Powell stated ” We are all devastated with
the loss of Mrs Tilly, the suddenness and extremity of it is shocking….
She was one of the gutsiest, easiest, coolest little bay mares to go
cross country on, and she was clocking up some impressive dressage performances
and deserved her listing for the NZ team. She will be sorely missed
by the whole team here, she was ready to make her mark!”
Whilst it is always devastating to lose a horse,
losing a 4 star horse is more so, and surely one that has not reached
its potential even worse…there are few 4 star mares around.
Mrs Tilly was one of the true stalwarts of the game having completed
Burghley, gone clear round Luhmuhlen 4 star and was aiming for Kentucky
this Spring. Produced by owner Fiona Martin”s daughter Camilla
to 2 star level before Caroline fast tracked Mrs Tilly including a 2nd advanced
placing at Weston Park through to 4 star. She was top 15 at Luhmuhlen
last summer and looked to be a team NZ banker as she was just 11 years
old….. she was a kind, cool, delightful mare to deal with and made
many friends in her short life, none of whom will forget her endearing
“dudeness” and contemplatively calm outlook on life. Mrs Tilly
did much to dispel the image of a moody mare and our thoughts are with
Caroline and her team right now.
