Britain's Gabriella Blake has retired her 17-year-old part-bred Connemara gelding, Strong Beau, following an eight-year competitive partnership. The duo secured individual Grade I bronze and contributed to a team bronze at the 2023 European Dressage Championships. Blake described the horse as her 'unicorn' and best friend.
Strong Beau, a 15hh gelding owned by Gabriella Blake and her parents Gavin and Estelle, made his mark on the para dressage scene with a standout debut at the 2023 European Dressage Championships. There, Blake and Strong Beau claimed individual bronze in Grade I and helped secure a team bronze medal for Britain. The pair were nominated entries for the Paris 2024 Paralympics and competed at last year's European Championships, placing in all three tests they entered. Gabriella Blake shared an emotional tribute to her longtime partner. “There are no words to describe how much Beau, my unicorn, has meant and given to me,” she said. “He has been my freedom, my legs, my best friend and teacher. He has given me the confidence to enter the world of para dressage and compete against the best in the world. We have had the most amazing competitive eight years together and I have learned so much from him. He was not your typical dressage horse but he has always had such presence and tried his heart out for me, and for that I am eternally grateful. He was never short on character – a cheeky chap with a spring in his step – and that has not changed heading into his retirement. I feel the time has come to do the best for him – he owes me nothing and given me everything. He will be hard to replace, but the search is on for my next unicorn. Thank you Beau.” Blake noted that Strong Beau owes her nothing after giving everything over their partnership.