While the names of the horses and riders who will take part in the mythical CCI5* of Badminton in a few weeks have been revealed, Piggy March announced that the name of her formidable Vanir Kamira would ultimately not be on the list. “Badminton entries closed yesterday and with some mixed emotions I can announce that Vanir Kamira’s name will not be on the list this year. She is still in great shape at 18 and enjoys her job more than ever, but I really wanted to take her off the 5* level when she was at the top of her game“, insisted on explaining the Briton on her social networks. “Going forward, we will be doing day-long events with her, starting with the OI in Lincoln. There’s no plan, so we’ll see where she takes us. As long as she is still having fun, we will continue to let her enjoy and let her tell us what she wants to do.“
A page is therefore turned for the daughter of Camiro de Haar Z and Fair Caledonian, WNTR (Dixi XX), born with Kathryn Jackson in Ireland and registered in the ISH studbook. Started by Izzy Taylor on the international scene in 2013, the bay then went under the saddle of Australian Paul Tapner the following year, before joining Piggy March in 2017. And what success the two accomplices are known for! Second in the Burghley CCI5* in 2017 and 2019, they also won the prestigious Badminton CCI5* in 2019 and repeated this feat in 2022, after finishing third in the Bicton CCI5* in 2021. “She is the horse of a lifetime […] We will treasure all of these 5* memories forever and be eternally grateful for all that she has given us all. Thank you, Tilly Bean, you’re a fucking superstar!“, also wrote Piggy March.
If Vanir Kamira is thus undeniably one of the best horses of his generation, his dam, Fair Caledonian, has also sired some other very good offspring, which have themselves produced good competitors. In 2000, it gave birth to Camacazy Diamond, ISH (Mount Diamond Flag, RID) which, eight years later, in turn gave birth to Fernhill Fine Diamond, ISH (Jacomar, KWPN), which we could see until CCI3*-L under American colours. In 2003, Fair Caledonian then produced Vanir Silver River, ISH (Golden River, ISH), which is in turn the origin of Creevagh de Haar Z – a half brother of Vanir Kamira since he also has Camiro as his sire. de Haar Z -, who particularly distinguished herself during the last edition of the CCI5* in Pau with the Briton Fiona Kashel after finishing third in the CCI4*-S in Barbury Castle.
Photo: Vanir Kamira and Piggy March, here during the 2021 Bicton CCI5*. Credit: FEI/Libby Law Photography.
