Mary Nitschke and Utopian Cardinal. Image: Roger Fitzhardinge.
Vale Utopian Cardinal
By Equestrian Life
Former Australian Grand Prix Champion dressage horse Utopian Cardinal has passed away aged 19.
Cardinal’s owner and rider, Mary Nitschke announced the sad news on Wednesday, paying tribute to the horse that “touched the lives of everyone around him”.
“I never could have imagined the journey that Cardinal and I ended up on together. We travelled all over Australia together. I learnt so, so much from him and am so grateful that I had the opportunity to learn from such a magnificent and generous horse like Cardinal.
“While I am sure there are a few people that could tell you stories of Cardinal running around loose somewhere after pulling back or spooking… he was the kindest most gentle soul who was an absolute warrior when it came to competition. No matter the conditions – Cardinal knew that competition arena and would always put his best hoof forward.
“I am very lucky to have been able to ride and be partnered with such an honest horse who just wanted to please and try. He was a very special horse to a lot of people and he was my absolute world. I am very grateful to have been part of his life and had the opportunity to love him.”
Mary Nitschke and Utopian Cardinal. Image by Roger Fitzahardinge.
An illustrious career
Bred in Australia by Anthony and Jewels Thornhill, Utopian Cardinal was by champion Grand Prix stallion Regardez Moi out of a mare named Wynella Lantarna.
He began his FEI career with Heath Ryan in 2012, and together they went on to complete over 60 Big Tour tests at CDI level with countless wins and placings. In 2016 they were named the Australian Grand Prix Champions.
That year, an 18-year-old Mary Nitschke travelled to Melbourne with her mother to watch the CDI-W Grand Prix dressage at Equitana. She was blown away by the competition – particularly Heath Ryan and Utopian Cardinal. “I remember watching and thinking, ‘That’s something that I really want to do’,” recalled Mary when speaking to Equestrian Life back in September. Little did she know that six years later, she’d be there at Equitana riding Cardinal herself.
Heath Ryan and Utopian Cardinal. Image: Roger Fitzhardinge.
In 2018, the opportunity arose to bid on Utopian Cardinal at Ryans’ Auction of the Stars. For Mary and her family, it was an opportunity too good to pass up. They were the highest bidders, and so the partnership began.
Mary and Cardinal went on to have great success over the years together on the Under-25 Grand Prix circuit, winning at the Sydney CDI three years in a row and claiming the 2022 Australian Under-25 Grand Prix title.
Mary also achieved her dream of competing in the CDI-W at Equitana: “Equitana was something that I really wanted to, and to have the opportunity to go down there [in 2022]… it made it even more special that it was with Cardinal and Heath.”
Rest in peace, Utopian Cardinal. Equestrian Life’s thoughts are with Mary and all those who have been associated with this wonderful horse over the years.
Published 11 April 2024.
READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE
