There have been several memorable grey horses in equestrian competitions over the years. An article of this size cannot hope to accommodate all of them, but aims to pay homage to some of the greatest greys to have brought joy to fans of equestrian sports of all kinds, and recognise some of the stars of the current scene. The disciplines of concern here are Dressage, Show jumping and Showing.
Dressage
Blue Hors Matine
The Danish Bred, warmblood mare Blue Hors Matine captured the imagination and an army of admirers with her stunning talent in the Dressage arena. Her performance in the 2006 WEG Freestyle final, ridden by Andreas Helgstrand, was so perfect that it moved many to tears. It is now widely available, and much watched, on video hosting sites. Sadly a long career did not follow and she was retired to stud due to unsoundness, but she is fondly remembered by Dressage fans to this day.
Show jumping
Milton
The incomparable ‘white’ horse proved a legendary show jumper, with a talent and personality fitting of a true superstar.
Born in 1994 and first ridden by Caroline Bradley, Milton achieved his greatest successes between 1985 and 1994 as the mount of John Whitaker. The Dutch Warmblood gelding was show jumping’s first millionaire. He was a courageous jumper, rarely refusing or knocking a fence, and marking many successes with a tremendous leap in the air which was loved by the crowds. His career highlights included a gold team and silver individual medal at the European Championships in St Gallen in 1987, team and individual gold Medals in the European Championships at Rotterdam in 1989 and an individual Silver medal at the World Championships in Stockholm in 1990. Retired in 1994 he showed his wellbeing with exuberant displays at subsequent public appearances. He died in 1999 and is buried on the Whitaker’s farm.
Gem Twist
During the 1990s the great grey Thoroughbred Gem Twist proved a truly great show jumper by forming successful partnerships with various different riders during his career, including Greg Best, Leslie Howard, and Laura Chapot. His greatest moment came at the 1988 Olympics, when he secured both an individual and a team silver medal in Seoul.
Gem Twist was voted the American Grand Prix Association Horse of the Year three times and at the 1990 World Equestrian Games, he was given the great accolade of “World’s Best Horse”. He later entered the ‘United States Show Jumping Hall of Fame’ in 2002. He died in 2006.
Corlato
Tim Stockdale's impressive Holsteiner mare made a promising return to the sport after some time off for embryo transfer at Hickstead in 2009. Affectionately known as 'Ruby', she came second in the King George when pressing for the win, taking just the last fence to rule herself out. Fresh Direct Corlato has her own Facebook Fan site and an army of loyal supporters.
Corrada
This incredible grey mare won the difficult Hickstead Derby three times in 2001, 2002 and 2003. For her first victory in 2001 her partner Peter Charles had not even planned to ride her in the competition, but her outstanding performances in earlier jumping rounds was enough to convince him to give her a go. She did not disappoint jumping clear with 2 time faults and clinching the title. After her amazing Hickstead victories she went to America, but returned from overseas to retire with Peter Charles in 2007.
Showing
Rox Dene
This Dutch Bred grey hunter mare was named Chronicle of the Horse’s ‘Hunter of the Century’. She won praise for her impressive jumping form, striking movement and superb conformation, a combination which brought her unprecedented success in Hunter competitions across the United States. She won multiple championships at many prestigious horse shows and from 1991-1995 she was USEF horse of the Year. She ended her competitive career in 1998 and became a broodmare before her retirement at Pine Meadow Farm.
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