Sadness as former British team horse dies aged 13 despite ‘every possible effort to save him’

Imperial HBF, the former British team horse who joined McLain Ward last year, has died aged 13.

McLain said “Paddy” was put down on Tuesday (10 February) following complications from colic.

“Paddy suffered a bout of colic and, despite two surgeries and every possible effort to save him, the incredibly difficult decision was made – by his owner Michael Smith, myself, and a devoted team of caretakers and veterinarians – that the kindest and most humane choice was to let him go,” said McLain.

“Paddy fought tirelessly, just as he did throughout his career as a competitor, and our entire family and team are devastated by his loss. During this challenging time, his owner, Mike Smith, exemplified true horsemanship, spending countless hands-on hours by Paddy’s side, doing everything possible to support his recovery and never wavering in his trust in the team caring for him.”

McLain added that the vets and support staff at Rood & Riddle Wellington along with Dr Tim Ober, “were nothing short of extraordinary”.

“As always, I am deeply grateful to my own team for their unwavering dedication and compassion throughout this process. Godspeed, Imperial,” he said.

Imperial HBF was bred by Laura Tinto of HBF Stud, in Glasgow. He was produced as a young horse by Alex Barr, picking up top placings at home and abroad. Tim bought the son of Glasgow VH Merelsnest in 2022 and he was put in the ownership of Unex Equestrian alongside Tim’s father Bill Gredley and Tim’s wife Rachel.

In a previous H&H interview Tim said: “We started quite small and worked our way up. It was a bit testing at times – I remember walking out of the grand prix at Wellington on my feet because he jumped so high – but when you know horses have that kind of quality and you have that belief in them, you’re always willing to put the time and effort into them. In the end he came good.”

Tim and Imperial HBF jumped at the top level at prestigious shows around the world and Tim credited him for getting “my career back where I wanted it to be”. They represented Great Britain at Nations Cups, including in St Gallen, Barcelona and Hickstead, and Longines League of Nations events in Florida, Rotterdam and Abu Dhabi.

Imperial HBF was sold to McLain in March 2025. Tim said he was sad but described it as exciting for Paddy’s future – adding that his going to McLain “was a big part of the equation” and he believed the pair would be contenders for the Rolex grands prix and other big classes.

During their time together McLain and Imperial HBF proved an exciting combination with grand prix placings in La Baule, Dublin, and Aachen. Their last international appearance was at Traverse City, Michigan, USA.

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