Some horses just get under your skin and pull at the heart strings and ever since watching a young, relatively unknown rider called Ros Canter that a now dear friend asked me to look out for, on her gigantic dark bay equine companion, I have been smitten.
Walking on water: Allstar B & Ros Canter on their way to winning the CCI4*S, Burgham International, July 2020
Who couldn’t be?! For all 17hh of dear Alby were just perfection. The heart and courage of a lion, combined with fleetness of foot in the dressage, made for the perfect event horse. No horse looked to be enjoying galloping along during a cross country round as much as he did.
Following the career’s of both Alby and Ros flourish has been both a privilege and inevitable. For they had the ultimate equestrian partnership. On paper a large warm blood gelding standing at 17hh and the most petit of ladies in Ros just shouldn’t work; but by god did it work perfectly.
Poetry in motion: Allstar B & Ros Canter on their way to winning the CCI4*S, Burgham International, July 2020
They were stronger together. I truly believe dear Alby wouldn’t have reached the heights he did without Ros and as I’m sure Ros won’t mind me saying that Alby has been instrumental in her career path. And together they conquered the world; quite literally.
Allstar B & Ros Canter on their way to winning the CCI4*S, Bicton International supported by Chedington, June 2021
Behind every good event rider though is an exceptional support team. In Sarah Charnley, Alby had a supergroom and his every wish was her command. Always on hand on his major travels and events, on hand for on-demand ‘loves’ when the big man needed someone by his side.
Best mates: Sarah Charnley & Allstar B, FEI European Championships, Avenches, September 2021
Having travelled and followed this majestic equine across some of the most iconic European venues, he’s been a constant in Team GB and he’ll leave the biggest of wholes in our hearts. No one tried harder yet, looked so effortless in doing so. Equine journalists ran out of superlatives to describe the part you played in the new Team GB Golden era.
Ros Canter & Allstar B, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, May 2018 where they finished 3rd
I’m sad I didn’t get to sneak you some cheeky polos one last time, whilst supergroom Charnley was looking the other way. But I know you had your best mate in Sarah by your side.
Best mates: Sarah Charnley & Allstar B, FEI European Championships, Avenches, September 2021
A massive thank you and heartfelt condolences to Ros, Caroline, Sarah and all the team at Hallington, who took such care of you and shared you with the world. Thinking of you all at this saddest of times. Thank you for letting me follow the King on his journey with you all.
But the biggest thank you of all goes to dear Alby - thank you for the memories Alby, rest easy big fella, forever the Champ in my eyes.
A few more of my favourite Alby moments:
