Ros Canter and Allstar B at Aachen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
We’re devastated to report that Allstar B, the seventeen-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding with whom Great Britain’s Ros Canter became World Champion in 2018, has been euthanised after sustaining an irreparable injury while on course at Aachen today. The injury occurred at fence 16d, a skinny arrowhead that came as the final element of a coffin complex, where ‘Albie’ ran out to the right of the fence and was subsequently pulled up lame. The on-site vets were in immediate attendance on the scene, and Albie was removed to a veterinary clinic for further investigation. There, it was decided that, for the sake of the horse’s welfare, euthanasia was the only viable solution.
Albie was jointly owned by Ros and Caroline Moore, who herself is a prolific figure on the British eventing scene in her role as one of the sport’s most in-demand coaches. Together, she and Ros produced their horse into one of eventing’s best-loved characters, who was a prolific and consistent competitor at the world’s biggest competitions. His extraordinary accomplishments include fifth place at the 2017 European Championships, fifth at Badminton in 2017 and third in 2018, and multiple wins and placings at four-star level – though he’ll be best-remembered for that exceptional victory at Tryon in 2018, which earned him his well-deserved title of World Champion. With three team gold medals to his name, he was an exemplary example of a championship horse.
Ros Canter and Allstar B. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
In a statement released by British Equestrian, Ros says, “There are no words for the love and respect that I have for Alby. Time after time, he has shown his generosity, kindness and love of our sport. He has been such a huge part in building my career, and he will be missed by many.”
Caroline agrees, saying: “For me, he’s been the horse of a lifetime The most generous and brave horse that I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. He will be deeply missed.”
“He was a special horse with a huge heart, and the partnership Ros and he shared is one of the greatest the sport has enjoyed,” says Richard Waygood, Performance Manager of the British eventing team. “Together, they have given so much to eventing and British teams, and to see them win the Individual World Championship title at Tryon was a very proud moment. Alby will be missed, but will hold a place among the legends of our sport. I would like to thank the veterinary and organising teams at Aachen for their swift actions and professional treatment.”
All of us at EN send our most heartfelt condolences to Ros, Caroline, groom Sarah Charnley, and all those connected with this exceptional horse. It has been an enormous honour to follow and cover his accomplishments.
Ros Canter’s Allstar B. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
