Avebury, who won the Land Rover Burghley CCI**** (England) three times with Andrew Nicholson, was put down today.
Rosemary and Mark Barlow’s 16-year-old, who retired from eventing in April after a brilliant career, was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his jaw a few weeks ago. This tumor developed very rapidly, and he received palliative care to ensure he was comfortable throughout.
Sadly there was no appropriate treatment for this type of tumor, and the difficult decision was made to euthanize him today.
Avebury was bred by Andrew Nicholson, whose children gave him his barn name, “Buddy.” He started his eventing career with Andrew’s wife, Wiggy, but Andrew took over the ride in 2007.
In their first season together, Andrew and Avebury won the CCI* at Tattersalls (Ireland) and three intermediate classes, as well as finishing fourth in the World Young Horse Championships at Le Lion d’Angers (France).
The following year, they won the CCI** at Tattersalls. In 2009, they took the CCI*** at Saumur (France).
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In 2011 Andrew and Avebury were 10th at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton CCI**** (England) and eighth at Burghley, and in 2012 they scored the first of their multiple victories in the CIC*** at Barbury Castle and at Burghley.
In 2015, the pair took their fourth Barbury Castle CIC*** win and were preparing for an attempt at a fourth consecutive Burghley triumph when Andrew suffered the bad fall at Gatcombe from another horse, which broke his neck and finished his season.
Avebury’s only run in 2016 was at Great Witchingham in March, which he won. Since then, he has hacked out at home and in the summer holidays Andrew and Wiggy’s children, Lily and Zach, enjoyed riding him.
Andrew and Wiggy said: “We were deeply shocked at the rapid progression of the cancer, as only a few weeks ago he was thoroughly enjoying being ridden by Lily in his retirement. Our only relief is that we were able to ensure he did not suffer, and were able to make the right decision in the interests of his welfare, which has always been our absolute priority.
“He has been part of our family for a very long time and has given Andrew some of the greatest days of his career. He will be deeply missed,” they continued.
He has been buried in the garden at his home, Westwood Stud.
