Yesterday it was a very sad day for the Portuguese equestrian community. One of the best horses we knew, Coltaire Z, had to be put down after a bad fall at the Portuguese Jumping Championship finals in Lisbon.
Coltaire suffered multiple fractures and his owners, Marina Frutuoso de Melo and António Frutuoso de Melo had to let their long time partner go. With Coltaire, Marina won 5 gold medals at the Portuguese Championship and many more at important GP’s and Nation Cups – he really was the horse of her life.
Marina had planned to retire Coltaire, who was 18 years old, from the international competition this year in Aachen.
I was lucky to watch Coltaire jumping several times and even to go to Marina and António’s equestrian property in Benavente. Here are some of my photos at the LGCT of Estoril:
Marina & António Frutuoso de Melo – GCT Estoril, 2012

Marina & Coltaire Z – GCT Estoril, 2012

Marina – LGCT Estoril, 2013

Marina & Coltaire – LGCT Estoril, 2013

Although Coltaire leaves us more than 1000 sons, he will never be replaced! RIP Coltaire Z!