Emma Hindle’s Olympic partner, Lancet, sadly passed away on Thursday 30 November at the age of 24. An anchor for the British team for many years, Lancet, a 16.2hh Hanoverian stallion by Wenzel, was one of the most influential dressage horses of recent times.
Rising to stardom under the Netherlands’ Imke Schellekens-Bartels with whom he hit the headlines in 2004 by ranking individual eleventh and team fourth at the Athens Olympic Games, Lancet was later that year sold by his owners to Emma.
This proved to be the start of a world class partnership which was pivotal in putting British dressage on the map. Emma and Lancet competed at the 2005, 2007 and 2009 European Championships and the 2006 World Equestrian Games. They were seventh individually at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and won Team Silver at the 2009 European Championships in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at Windsor.
Lancet was retired from competition at the top of his game in 2011, aged 18. Since that emotional ceremony at Hickstead, he’s enjoyed retirement at Emma’s Brookhouse Stud close to Manchester where he’s continued his breeding career. He leaves a legacy of talented sons and daughters.
“Lancet: The horse that made my dreams become a reality,” said Emma, paying tribute to her beloved ‘Lance’.
“We called him the sleeping crocodile. He knew his likes and dislikes all too well and he shared his opinions in style with those who challenged him! He didn’t care for many but those he chose were truly a privileged few.”
During his retirement the old master enjoyed keeping his eye on proceedings. “He loved his work and critically watched the young pretenders from his field,” says Emma.
“Horse Heaven has gained one of this world’s true workers who never gave up and always gave his all! To Niamh, Tuula, Richard and Dr Siebert who shared our journey, I say a great thank you. Goodbye Lance and God Bless.”