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Ontario’s equestrian community extends heartfelt condolences to Selena O’Hanlon and owners Elaine and Michael Davies on the passing away of their cherished Swedish Warmblood gelding Colombo.
In 2007, O’Hanlon was first named to the Canadian Eventing National Team with Colombo, and the pair made their four-star debut together at the 2008 CCI 4* Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, in Lexington, KY, finishing in 20th.
That result earned O’Hanlon and Colombo a place on the Canadian Team at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, where they impressed with a top 20 placing in the opening phase of dressage before finishing 46th individually.
In 2010, the pair earned an eighth place finish at the CCI 4* Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, which once again earned them a major games team spot. O’Hanlon and Colombo were members of the Canadian Eventing Team that brought home Canada’s first silver eventing medal in 32 years at the 2010 World Equestrian Games held in Lexington, KY.
“He was one of the greats,” said O’Hanlon. “It was an honor to ride him, and I’m so lucky that our paths crossed, thanks to the Davies. I will truly miss him every single day. He was a dear friend. Spent the greatest moments of my life with him. Three cheers for Mr. C!”
Elaine and Michael Davies passion for Canadian eventing was made complete when O’Hanlon and Colombo joined forces. The pair competed at the top level of the sport for six years with the Davies and O’Hanlon’s mother, Morag, cheering them on all the way.
Colombo was retired from competition in 2012 and enjoyed the past few years with the O’Hanlon’s at their farm, Balsam Hall, in Kingston, ON. A full tribute to Colombo may be found on the O’Hanlon Eventing facebook page.
