LindaRobert1_copy.jpgOn September 15, 2008, the Canadian equestrian community tragically lost one of its top up-and-coming dressage horses, Wedding Surprise (World Cup III x Imperator). “Weddy,” as he was affectionately known around the barn, died suddenly only a short time after performing brilliantly at the Saugerties International Dressage Show in New York State. Weddy was the principal mount of Linda Robert from Terrebonne, Quebec. The two became a team three years ago, following the death of Rose Barolet, Wedding Surprise’s owner.

Weddy’s amazing presence, elasticity and lightness combined with Linda’s thoughtful training resulted in the duo being long listed by Equine Canada in 2008 and 2009.

“He was a complex horse. I really had to manage his temperament in order to get the best out of him,” said Linda.  “Preparing for the 2008 season was difficult. I experienced health problems during the winter and only managed to start riding again in April, which did not leave me much time for training. My return to riding was premature, given the state of my health. Looking back, maybe there was a reason why I felt such an urgent need to get back in the saddle.”

Having already qualified for the prestigious Devon Dressage Show, Ms. Robert decided not to push Weddy at the Saugerties show. However, Weddy, in peak form, had other ideas and still managed to earn 66%, 64.1% and 67.950%, securing their spot on the 2009 long list. “I knew that someday Weddy would be too old to compete and that I would have to retire him, but I never imagined I would lose him in less than 12 hours,” lamented Ms. Robert.

The relationship between Weddy, Rose and Linda began in 2004 when Rose became one of Linda’s students and started competing in dressage. Rose progressed rapidly and showed the talent required to advance in the sport. Linda, realizing her student’s talent, attempted to help Rose fulfill her potential and to achieve her goal of riding in the North American Young Riders’ Championships, by suggesting she needed a new horse.  

During the middle of her first summer competing on the “Gold” circuit, Rose was diagnosed with cancer. Following her diagnosis, Rose’s parents precipitated their decision to purchase a new horse: “Rose needs something to cling on to.” As a result, Linda Robert went to Germany alone in search of a horse that would fulfill her young protégé’s expectations: a big, beautiful and kind horse with light, fluid movements.

The moment Linda Robert saw Wedding Surprise, a big black Hanoverian with four white socks, she knew, “This was the horse for Rose.” Weddy was Montreal bound.

Linda visited Rose at Sainte-Justine Hospital prior to Weddy’s arrival and showed her a picture of her new horse. “Wow,” an excited Rose said, “It’s the horse of my dreams!” 

Despite aggressive chemotherapy treatments, Rose managed to visit the barn as often as her physical state allowed, attending training sessions and following the progression of her horse with Linda in the saddle.

Shortly before Rose succumbed to her disease, she asked Linda to care for Weddy as if he was her own horse. Rose’s dream had been to compete at the highest level. She now insisted that Linda fulfill her goal, with the full support of the Barolet family. Sadly, Rose lost her battle with cancer on April 16, 2005.

“Not once did I go down centre line at a competition and not think of Rose,” said an emotional Linda Robert. “The loss of Rose and Weddy is a terrible hardship for the Barolet family and for me. I would like to thank all my friends as well as all the riders and supporters who extended their condolences. We are truly grateful to them.”

A commemorative plaque will be placed at Oakcrest Farm in Toronto, ON.

 

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