On Saturday, Gemma Tattersall’s longtime partner Arctic Soul (Luso x Roi Danzig) died at Weston Park Horse Trials, following a competition, according to Eventing Nation. The nineteen-year-old gelding had achieved a remarkable performance, winning a preparation test for the mythical badminton competition, scheduled from May 4 to 8 and for which he was twelfth on the waiting list. His death would be the result of a heart attack. The bay had started his sporting career in races without much success and had therefore retired in 2008. It was then, thanks to the eventing discipline, that he made himself known on the international scene. Arctic Soul had started under the saddle of the British Nicky Roncoroni up to the current level CCI 2*-L. In 2012, Gemma Tattersall took the reins of the gelding. The couple quickly rose through the ranks, competing in the European Championships at Blair Castle and finishing ninth individually in 2015. Three years later, the duo were gold medalists with the British team at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon. The pair were one of Britain’s most formidable finishing fourth at CCI 3* Blenheim in 2013, fifth at CCI 4* Burghley in 2014 and third at CCI 4* Badminton in 2016. “What we achieved together was simply amazing. From failure as a racehorse to so many incredible performances too numerous to mention,” said the Briton on her social networks. “What a legendary horse!”, she added.
