William and Lionheart at Barbury Castle
American rider Allison Springer announced today that, thanks to the generosity of the individuals in the Team Lionheart Syndicate LLC, she has purchased William Fox-Pitt’s 2012 Olympic mount, Lionheart.
The 2002 bay gelding, out of Lancer III who was formally owned for Fox-Pitt by Jeremy and Judy Skinner, has been a top British Team horse for several years. In addition to helping Great Britain secure a Silver Medal at the 2012 Olympic Games, Lionheart boasts a highly decorated resume including a fourth place finish at the Luhmuhlen CCI**** in 2013, a third place finish at the Pau CCI**** in 2011, and several top ten placings at notable CCI***s.
“Lionheart is one of the greatest horses in the world and I am both thrilled and humbled to be given the opportunity to ride him. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to each member of the Team Lionheart Syndicate LLC for their support, and for making my dream of acquiring this amazing horse a reality,” stated Springer
.Springer plans to take her time forming a proper partnership with Lionheart over the winter months and will begin competing him early in the 2014 season. She credited Fox-Pitt and his former owners for producing Lionheart to the top, saying
"I know William cares a great deal for each one of his horses, and that they are all superbly produced. I would like to thank him, as well as Mr and Mrs Skinner, for allowing me the opportunity to acquire Lion and for believing in my ability to showcase his talents from this point forward”
Lucky Allison!
