Badminton Horse Trials will miss the Rock of Pippa's life (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Badminton Horse Trials will miss the Rock of Pippa's life

THE disappointing news just before the start of the 2005 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is that Pippa Funnell's most famous mount, Supreme Rock, has been retired following a minor injury in the final stages of his preparation for the event.

Pippa will still ride the talented Prinmore's Pride this weekend. In a prolific career spanning a decade, Rocky won back-to-back Badminton titles (2002 and 2003) and consecutive European Individual Championships (Luhmuhlen 1999 and Pau 2001).

He helped to clinch team silver at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and was part of the bronze medal winning team at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez 2002.

He gave Pippa her first win at four-star level and her first appearance as a member of the senior British team. Together, they were the linchpins of the team for four years.

"To have ridden a horse of this calibre has been a huge honour.

"Being a total delight to work with at all times, Rocky has given us all many great moments and thanks go to him for taking me to the very top of the sport.

"He will be greatly missed, but has well earned his rest," said Pippa.

"Rocky has been a truly fantastic horse and we feel privileged to have owned him.

"We have enjoyed so much success and fun with him and, while announcing his retirement from competition is sad, we hope he has many happy years ahead of him," added owners Emma Pitt and Lady Lewthwaite.

Bred in Ireland by Lindy Good, Supreme Rock, now 17, is by the sire Edmund Burke and out of Rineen Classic.

He amassed 1,494 points to lie fifth in the all-time top points table, winning £89,095 in prize money and the highest for any horse in the sport.