We’re saddened to report that Andrew Nicholson’s four-star veteran Lord Killinghurst died of a massive heart attack shortly after being turned out this morning, according to the Badminton website. The gelding was 21.
Owned by Robin and Nicky Salmon, Lord Killinghurst and Nicholson tackled some of the toughest courses in the world, placing in the top ten several times at both Badminton and Burghley. Together they represented New Zealand at the World Equestrian Games in 2006 (Aachen) and the Olympics in 2008 (Beijing).
Though he’d been enjoying a lighter competition schedule since 2009, Lord Killinghurst’s official retirement ceremony was scheduled for Badminton this May.
Eventing Nation’s thoughts and prayers go out to the Salmons, Andrew Nicholson and all of the gelding’s connections.
