Steve Guerdat’s Albführen’s Bianca (Balou du Rouet x Cardento) has passed away, at the age of 15. Guerdat shared the sad news at today’s press conference in La Baule, following the Longines FEI Nations Cup where he was a part of the winning Swiss team. With tears in his eyes, Guerdat explained that Bianca passed away this morning after suffering from a brain tumour.

With Guerdat in the saddle, Bianca jumped to individual bronze at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon in 2018 and to team bronze at the European Championships in Gothenburg in 2017. The pair also represented Switzerland at the European Championships in Rotterdam in 2019, and at two World Cup Finals – in Omaha in 2017 and in Paris in 2018. 

Guerdat and Bianca also have numerous top-three finishes from prestigious five-star Grand Prix and World Cup classes written to their names. In 2018, they won the CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix at Windsor and they finished on the podium in CSI5* Grand Prix and World Cup classes in Brussels, Den Bosch, Geneva, La Baule, Lyon, Spruce Meadows and Stuttgart – to mention some. 

On his website, Guerdat has posted the following tribute to Bianca: "My dear Bianca; My Queen; you left much too soon and my heart is broken today. You gave us so much happiness over the last years that this is a cruel moment. Cruel because I would have liked to be able to offer you so much more. Cruel because you will leave behind you a huge void. My heart rings hollow tonight, because I already miss you. I tried today to fight for you and this victory in the Nations Cup is dedicated to you. You are going to join Princess Jalisca and from there you will both watch over us. I never thought I would have the chance to ride a horse of your level and I am so proud of you. Rest in peace."

Our thoughts go out to everyone involved in this special mare’s fantastic career and all those part of Team Guerdat.