McCarthy and the mare partnered together for five years. "She was not just the best horse in our yard — she was the heart of our yard," he continues. "She had an enormous attitude and a character all of her own. Gotcha is the most important horse of my career. I am devastated by this loss."

"Horses give a part of themselves to the rider, but Gotcha truly gave me everything. Every time we came to the start, she taught me something new. She carried me through some of the most important moments of my life... Thank you, Gotcha, for everything. For the beautiful moments, the partnership, the victories, and your unconditional trust in me."

McCarthy and Gotcha made their mark on numerous occasions throughout their partnership, placing at competitions in Riesenbeck, North Salem, Rockwood, Prague, Wellington and Traverse City, among others. In March 2025, the pair claimed their final international victory together in the 1.50m WEC Grand Prix in Ocala.

The Equnews editorial team extends its sincere condolences to the McCarthy team and to everyone who was ever part of Gotcha's life.