Vermont, the striking 14-year-old chestnut Hanoverian gelding owned by Canadian Peter Barry and ridden to the CCI4* level by Canadian Olympian Colleen Loach, has passed away.
Monty and Colleen. (Colleen Loach Equestrian Facebook)
The towering 18.2-hand gelding by Van Helsing (Valentino) finished second in the CCI 3*-L at Fair Hill in 2019 ‒ his first year at the 3* level. Over the course of their seven-year competitive career together, Vermont and Loach tackled 28 FEI events, including the Land Rover Kentucky CCI4*-S on three occasions, placing 4th in 2021. They enjoyed many top-10 places, and won the 3*-S at Bromont in 2019. Their last competition together was in February 2025 in the Open Prelim at the Rocking Horse Horse Trails in Altoona, FL.
Loach made the announcement on her Facebook page, writing:
“Dear Monty, you were the wind beneath my wings on so many occasions. You could be difficult at times but you remained the most enjoyable horse to ride every day. I’m so sorry that you were taken away far too soon … but you will live on the memories of those of us who loved and cared for you, those of us who were fortunate enough to be part of your shining circle. Rest in peace.”
More News
