Vale Headley Britannia

‘Brit’ was a star of the eventing scene and retired in 2012 after a formidable career in which she became one of only two horses to win three of the world’s four-star events, Badminton (2007), Burghley (2006) and Kentucky (2009).

In winning Badminton in 2007 she became the first mare in 53 years to take the title.

In 2008, Brit and Fredericks won a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in the team’s eventing competition.

Many considered the little chestnut to be the best eventing mare of all time and while she was smaller than most elite event horses, she had no shortage of courage.

“Brit’s competitive spirit, manoeuvrability, sheer guts and a will to win propelled her to the top of the equestrian sport of eventing,” Lucinda said.

“She was small but had such a huge heart.  She was a true professional and made my career what it is, and without her I wouldn’t be where I am.  She was my best friend.  She touched so many people’s lives and always brought a smile to everyone’s face.”

Equestrian Australia Chairman, Dr Warwick Vale conveyed his deepest condolences to Lucinda and those who knew Brit.

“This is a sad day for Lucinda and her team. On behalf of Equestrian Australia I offer my sincerest condolences to all of Brit’s connections.

“With three major four star wins and a host of other international achievements including an Olympic silver medal, Headley Britannia achieved unparalleled success for Australia and her achievements will long be remembered.

“The partnership and the success that Lucinda and Brit shared has been an inspiration to many young eventers and Brit’s passing will be felt by many in the sport,” Dr Vale said.  

2 April 2014

Lucinda Fredericks pays tribute to Headley Britannia

Equestrian Australia is saddened by the passing of Lucidna Fredericks' champion mare Headley Brittania with Lucinda confirming that 'Brit' was put to sleep on Tuesday.

Lucinda commented, “Brit was the best horse I could have ever hoped to have ridden and I owe her so much.  We were having so much fun today in the beautiful sunshine XC schooling, I was so pleased to be with her for her last moments, and to have a chance to thank her for everything she has done for me and everyone around her.   She remained calm, steady and was peaceful at the end.

"I am so thankful for the partnership I had with Brit, she was one in a million.  She was small but had such a huge heart.  She was a true professional and made my career what it is, and without her I wouldn’t be where I am.  She was my best friend.  She touched so many people’s lives and always brought a smile to everyone’s face”.

"Brit’s competitive spirit, manoeuvrability, sheer guts and a will to win propelled her to the top of the equestrian sport of eventing.   She is one of only two horses to have won all three of the top four-star events (Badminton, Burghley, and Kentucky Rolex), and the best ever eventing mare in history. Brit retired from top level competition in 2012 but enjoyed a win at Express Eventing in 2013."

Brit was sent to Lucinda to be sold in 2002, but no-one wanted a small chestnut mare whose ears could not be touched, and so she stayed to be competed.  That year she won Blenheim. 

After winning Badminton she went to stud for embryo transfer.   In 2008, she won a team silver medal at the Beijing Olympics, and had two ET foals by Jaguar Mail; Britannia’s Mail, and Little Britannia both of whom will be continuing their mother’s legacy and are competing this weekend.  In addition she has since had five other ET foals.