Gemma Owen has today shared the heartbreaking news that her “horse in a million”, Sirius Black III, has unexpectedly passed away.
Siz, as he is known at home sadly passed on Friday, February 3rd following a short, yet severe illness at only 18 years young.
It was only a few weeks ago both Gemma and the breathtaking 17hh Hanoverian, Siz celebrated a major win in the Home Farm PSG at ValeView High Profile Show having produced a 70.29% test. Prior to the new years results, the pair also enjoyed success at Arena UK and Cockshot only weeks after returning to competition, in the October.
It was Gemma and Siri who were selected to compete at the 2021 FEI Junior European Championships at Oliva Nova in Spain. Alongside a team that included Annabella Pidgley, Great Britain came home having finished in sixth place.
Gemma is understandably devastated, and has released the following statement on social media:
“On Friday we lost my horse of a lifetime due to a sudden and severe illness,”
“Words can’t describe how much this horse meant to me and my family, he was truly one in a million. Everyone who met Siz will know how amazing and caring his temperament was. He was taken far too soon, he has left us all heartbroken and in complete shock.
“You taught me so much Siz and I will never be able to thank you enough, you brought so much joy and happiness to our lives and you will never be replaced. I love you endlessly.”
While we pass on our condolences, Gemma has asked fans to respect her privacy at this time.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.