Heartbreaking news came on the first day of the New Year, as Cameron Hanley announced that Antello Z had passed away. The 13-year-old gelding and Hanley had a special story together; Antello Z came to Hanley as a 7-year-old, but the two had to part ways when the Irish rider injured his knee in 2011 and was out until 2013. The two were reunited as Cameron miraculously managed to make a comeback to the ring, and the first big win he recorded was with Antello Z in the Grand Prix of Wiesbaden in the spring of 2013. In January 2015, the two were separated again when Antello Z’s owners ended their partnership with Hanley – but the gelding returned a few months later in a settlement that finalized the co-operation.

Together, the two recorded major wins in Wiesbaden, Calgary, Chantilly, Donaueschingen, Millstreet and Stuttgart over the last years. They also competed at the 2014 World Championships and the 2013 European Championships for Ireland.

More than that, they were an inspiration. A pair that demonstrated how dreams can come true if you never stop believing.

Rest in peace Antello Z.

All photos (c) Jenny Abrahamsson.