The son of Jacomar (breeder: M. Habraken) made his international debut in 2011. Before that, he gained his initial experience at national 1.50m level in Germany under British rider Andrew Seather, after which he was taken over by Helena Stormanns, the current trainer of Nina Mallevaey.

As soon as Michael Whitaker took the saddle, things moved quickly. The duo immediately made a name for themselves at the highest level with a sixth-place finish in the 1.60m Grand Prix (CSI4*) in Calgary.

Gold at the European Championship and victories in Madrid and Oslo The absolute highlight of the pair's career came in 2013. During the European Championship in Herning, Viking and Whitaker played a crucial role in securing team gold for Great Britain, alongside an impressive ninth-place finish in the individual standings. That same year, they also won the Longines Global Champions Tour leg in Madrid.

The winning streak continued in the following years. In 2014, they took victory in the five-star World Cup Grand Prix in Oslo and represented Great Britain at the World Equestrian Games in Caen. A year later, another victory followed in the Sunday Grand Prix in London. Additionally, the gelding competed twice in the Longines Nations Cup Final in Barcelona.

"No one will ever match you" After his active sports career, Viking moved to live with his former groom Leila Chew, who provided him with a peaceful home in his final years.

"Words fail me," an emotional Chew shared. "You saved my life time and time again. I am grateful that I was able to give you the final years of your life that a legend like you deserved. Rest in peace, my sweetheart. No one will ever be able to match you."