Text © World of Showjumping

Very sadly, Simon McCarthy’s 15-year-old mare Gotcha (Stakkato x Cassini) has passed away, the Irish rider shared on social media on Thursday. 

“It’s with the heaviest heart that I have to share the sudden and tragic passing of my incredible partner, Gotcha,” McCarthy wrote on social media. “For the last five years, Gotcha wasn’t just the head of our stables — she was the heart of it. She was the biggest personality in the barn, and without question the most influential horse in my career. The hole she has left behind is impossible to put into words. I am absolutely devastated. Horses give us pieces of themselves every single day, but Gotcha gave me everything she had every time we walked into the ring together. She taught me lessons no person ever could, carried me through some of the most important moments of my life, and brought a kind of joy that only a horse like her can bring. Thank you, Gotcha, for the memories, the partnership, the fights, the wins, and the unconditional trust. Thank you for shaping me into the rider and person I am today. You touched far more hearts than just my own, and you will never be forgotten. Run free, beautiful girl. Until we meet again.” 

With McCarthy in the saddle, Gotcha recorded several international wins around the world – all the way up to five-star level. The pair took top honours at venues such as Traverse City, Wellington, Monterrey, Ocala, North Salem, Rockwood, Riesenbeck, Prague and Saugertiers. In March 2025, McCarthy and Gotcha took their last victory together – in the CSI3* 1.50m Alltech Grand Prix at World Equestrian Center in Ocala. 

Our thoughts go out to McCarthy, and all those close to Gotcha.