The Remarkable Journey of Diamond Sundance: A Testament to Grit and Glory
An Overview of Sunny's Illustrious Career
Diamond Sundance, affectionately known as Sunny, has bowed out of competitive eventing at the ripe age of 18. Throughout his 14-season career, this five-star event horse, owned by the Onslow family, demonstrated exceptional athletic prowess and mental fortitude, becoming a beacon of inspiration for riders and fans alike. Under the capable hands of various riders, including Nini French, Emily Parker, and Alex Hua Tian, Sunny solidified his place in the annals of equestrian history.
A Star is Born
Sunny's journey began when he was acquired by the Onslow family from Piggy March's yard. Right from the start, he exhibited unparalleled zeal for cross-country eventing. From his early days competing with Nini French to representing Britain in the young rider Europeans in 2019 with Rosa Onslow, Sunny's performances were consistently top-notch. Over his career, he notched up impressive records, including 40 out of 43 international cross-country starts without faults, showcasing his exceptional capability and spirit.
The Setback and Strong Comeback
Sunny's journey wasn't all smooth sailing. In 2020, he faced a life-threatening road traffic accident that left him with a broken jaw. Many thought it was the end of his competitive days, but Sunny, embodying a true fighting spirit, made a miraculous recovery. By April, he was back on the field, delivering clear cross-country rounds with Lissa Green. Sunny's resilience was a reminder of his unyielding determination and ability to overcome even the gravest challenges.
Partnerships That Defined Sunny’s Career
Throughout his illustrious career, Sunny was guided by several talented riders who helped shape his legacy:
- Nini French: Was among the first riders to compete with Sunny, helping him establish his early credentials.
- Emily Parker: Partnered with Sunny to bring out his competitive edge in various national and international events.
- Alex Hua Tian: Competed at the Rio Olympics in 2016, representing Sunny on the grandest stage.
- Rosa Onslow: Shared a profound connection while representing Britain in the young rider Europeans in 2019.
The Final Farewell
This year, Sunny participated in his final competition at Badminton, intended as his farewell event. His last competitive seasons were under India Wishart's guidance, maintaining an impeccable record of clear jumps at international events. **Sunny's final statistics are nothing short of marvelous:** 40 clear jumps out of 43 international cross-country starts. Cindy Onslow, his owner, recounted fondly that Sunny's success was due to his brain, heart, and undeniable vigor.
The Legacy of a Miracle Horse
As Sunny retires to the tranquil Scottish borders, his career remains a shining example of what determination, skill, and an unyielding will can achieve. Cindy Onslow captures it best when she calls him a "miracle horse" for his incredible accomplishments and resilience. His story is a poignant example of the extraordinary bond shared between equine athletes and their humans, proving that with hard work, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude, the sky’s the limit.
Sunny's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of eventing enthusiasts, proving that even in the face of adversity, anything is possible with persistence and courage. Here's to celebrating Sunny, a true champion who will forever be remembered in the hearts of those he's touched.
For more details, you can read the original article on Horse & Hound's website [here](https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/miracle-five-star-horse-who-never-gave-up-retires-from-competition-aged-18-793294).