12/08/2026
Vale 13
27 January 2024 – 4 August 2026
Some horses leave hoofprints in the arena.
Some leave them on your heart.
And then there are the ones who leave them everywhere.
13 was one of those horses.
I had the privilege of foaling him on 27 January 2024, and from the very beginning, there was something about him that was different. He was the only purebred c**t of Silver Commander that I owned, and I had such big hopes and dreams for this special boy.
By two and a half years old, 13 was already standing over 16hh, with so much more growing and maturing ahead of him. He was destined to become a future sire for Celtic Saddlebreds, carrying forward a bloodline that meant so much to me.
But more than his size, his breeding, or his potential, 13 was simply 13.
A great big puppy dog.
A complete ratbag.
And a horse with the biggest personality I have ever known.
He made you laugh. He made you shake your head. He demanded attention. He was cheeky, loving, curious and completely unforgettable. He wasn’t just a horse I bred and raised—he was becoming my best mate.
In March 2026, 13 made his show debut at Cessnock, and what a debut it was.
He didn’t simply step into the show ring—he announced himself.
13 took out Champion Saddlebred at his very first show and then went on to line up for Supreme Led of the Show.
I couldn’t have been prouder of my big boy. He showed everyone what I already knew: this horse was something very special, and his future was going to be incredible.
I never imagined that future would be taken from us so soon.
On 4 August 2026, colic took my beautiful boy far too young.
There are no words for the heartbreak of losing a horse who had so much life, personality and promise ahead of him. I had plans for you, 13. So many plans. You were supposed to grow into the magnificent stallion I knew you could be. You were supposed to stand at stud for Celtic Saddlebreds. You were supposed to be my best mate for many years to come.
Instead, I am left with memories, photographs, stories, and a heart that hurts more than I can put into words.
Thank you for the two and a half years you gave me.
Thank you for every laugh, every cheeky moment, every cuddle, every ridiculous ratbag thing you did, and every moment that made me proud to call you mine.
You were one in a million, 13.
You were my boy.
My big puppy dog.
My ratbag.
My future sire.
My best mate.
And you will forever be a part of Celtic Saddlebreds and a part of me.
Run free, beautiful boy.
Until we meet again.
Vale 13
27/01/2024 – 04/08/2026
Gone far too soon, but never forgotten. ❤️🐴
