Canadian Eventer Colleen Loach's 4* Ride Passes Away
Vermont Dies at Age 14
January 9, 2026 at 9:12 PMBy a.dunne
Vermont, the 18.2-hand Hanoverian gelding ridden by Canadian eventer and Olympian Colleen Loach, has died at age 14. Loach campaigned Vermont - Van Helsing (Valentino) out of a Heraldik mare - to the CCI4* level. Canadian Peter Barry owned the tall chestnut.
The cause of death was not publicly shared. Loach posted the news on her Facebook page on January 7.
Excerpt from Facebook post:
"Dear Monty, you were the wind beneath my wings on so many occasions. You could be difficult at times but you remained the most enjoyable horse to ride every day. I'm so sorry that you were taken away far too soon."
Just a few of the pair's placings over the years
In 2022, Loach and Vermont were 2nd in the CCI4*-L at Tryon (North Carolina) and 4th at Land Rover Kentucky CCI4*-S in 2021.
Loach last competed Vermont in the Open Preliminary division at Rocking Horse Winter III Horse Trials in Altoona, Florida, February 27, 2025.
Photo courtesy of USEA and Colleen Loach Equestrian
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