“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rêveur de Hurtebise today at the age of 24,” shared Haras des Coudrettes, who have owned the son of Kashmir van Schuttershof since 2012. “Since his farewell at the CSIO in La Baule in 2019, Rêveur enjoyed a peaceful retirement here at the stud, just outside our windows, spending his days in the paddock alongside Lacrimoso. We are deeply grateful to the entire HDC team, especially Julie, Sébastien, Tristan, and Jean Loïc, who lovingly cared for Rêveur over the past six years. Our hearts are heavy with grief,” the Normandy-based stud added.
Rêveur de HurtebiseHDC had a brilliant international career under Swedish rider Malin Baryard-Johnsson, with highlights including third place finishes in both the CSIO 5 Grand Prix of Gijón in 2011 and the Helsinki World Cup leg shortly after. After a strong and consistent start to the 2012 season, the chestnut gelding was acquired by Haras des Coudrettes for French rider Kevin Staut. The new partnership quickly found its stride, capturing the 5* Grand Prix title at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Monaco just weeks later.
Together, the small but mighty gelding and his rider soon became key members of the French national team. They represented France in two European Championships, the World Equestrian Games, and the 2016 Olympic Games. One of their most memorable achievements came at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, where they helped secure team silver. But their crowning moment was at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where they played a crucial role in winning the gold medal for France. After the sudden loss of another equine hero, Flora de Mariposa, in 2020, Rêveur is now the second of France’s Rio gold medalists to have passed away.
Individually, Rêveur de Hurtebise*HDC also shined, taking Kevin Staut to victory in the Longines FEI World Cup Grand Prix in Bordeaux in 2016, and competing in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final the following year. His final appearance in the arena was at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon in 2018, with an official farewell ceremony held in front of the crowd at La Baule in 2019. Kevin Staut often referred to Rêveur as one of the most important horses of his career and frequently spoke about the deep and unique bond they shared.
