In the world of Eventing, some names naturally resonate as icons. Nereo is one of them. Yet, had his story been judged solely on his first major international appearance, it would have had a very different flavor. Here is a look back at the extraordinary journey of this Spanish-born superstar who became a legend under the New Zealand flag.
A Quiet Start at Le Lion d’Angers
The Mondial du Lion d’Angers is often seen as the ultimate showcase for future 6 and 7-year-old champions. In 2007, a tall chestnut arrived in the Maine-et-Loire region. His name was Nereo, and he was seven years old. Partnered with the great Andrew Nicholson, who had produced him since the age of four, the weekend didn’t exactly go according to plan. After an “eventful” cross-country phase, the pair finished in 41st place with a heavy score of 194.2 penalty points. At that moment, no one could have imagined that this shy horse was about to dominate the most prestigious courses on the planet.
From Seville to the Top of the World
Bred by Ramon and Ana Beca in Seville, Nereo (by Fines out of Berganza by Golfi) never stopped progressing once his young horse years were behind him. By 2010, the engine was running at full power: he clinched the individual bronze medal at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington.
From then on, consistency became his trademark:
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The 5 Coronation:* He triumphed at Pau in 2012 and fulfilled a lifelong team dream by winning Badminton in 2017, at the remarkable age of 17.
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The Podium Regular: A three-time runner-up at the legendary Burghley (2011, 2013, 2016) and 4th at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
“A Golden Child”: A Heart to Win
Beyond his extraordinary physical abilities, it was his temperament that left a lasting mark on those around him. Annabel Gentili, Andrew Nicholson’s longtime groom, describes a horse of extreme sensitivity:
“A golden child. He would shake like a leaf meeting every new person. As shy as he was brave, earning his trust was no easy task, but once gained, he was the most loyal life companion.”
She fondly recalls his strong personality in daily life: Nereo was the sole master of his own timing. No one but him decided when it was time to leave his paddock and head back to the stables!
A Retirement of Honor
In 2018, on the very grounds of his greatest exploits at Badminton, Nereo made his official farewell to competition during an emotional ceremony. Owned by Deborah Sellar, he enjoyed a peaceful retirement with the Nicholsons, spending his final days as a high-class schoolmaster for Lily, Andrew’s daughter.
What does Nereo’s story teach us? That talent doesn’t always express itself through early victory. This champion of Spanish origins reminds us that patience, understanding a horse’s character, and the strength of the rider-groom-owner bond are the only true ingredients for glory.