The true-life story of Neville Bardos, a miracle horse
Posted: Wednesday, January 18, 2012
by The Old Gray Mare
www.DressYourHorse.com
Some have called him a miracle horse.
Neville Bardos is an Australian-born thoroughbred, 13 years old, who was once destined for the slaughter house. He narrowly escaped that horror, and had yet another near-death experience in a serious barn fire that he also survived.
Neville had an appointment to be slaughtered.
Neville was foaled in 1999 at the prestigious Woodlands in Australia.
Despite his breeding and training, he was rather dismal on the track and was slated for the slaughterhouse until Boyd Martin saved him, paying the scanty sum of $850 (just about meat price and transport), and saved him.
Beginning work in earnest as an event horse, Neville began his eventing circuit in 2002. His first performance was quite dubious – he dumped his rider at the second fence and ran off. It took more training, more experience, more handling until, in 2006, he won the Coffs Harbour and the Melbourne, both in Australia.
Within another year, Neville was imported into the United States to continue his training and successes. He placed in prestigious Rolex Three Day Eventing in 2008, found himself shortlisted for the 2008 Bejing Olympics, and again won well in the Rolex in 2010. At the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Boyd Marin and Neville were the highest placed Americans.
Neville was showing his true grit.
In 2011 Neville Bardos once again faced certain tragedy. A midnight fire broke out in the training barn, killing six of the eleven horses there. He was one of the five horses rescued, being the last one to get out. Neville sustained smoke inhalation to lungs and throat and burns to his body. The prognosis was dire.
It was uncertain whether the horse with such determination and mettle could survive or even compete in the future. Yet Neville beat the odds again, proving he had heart and strength. He recovered quickly and completely and, within four months, was back in competition.
Neville has survived so many odds.
This miracle horse, now owned by a syndicate of 10 members that still includes Martin, has hopes riveted on the 2012 Olympics. There he faces grueling competition in three equine disciplines. The total scores from the three days of competition in dressage, cross-country and show jumping will determine the overall winner.
Neville Bardos truly is a miracle horse.
The Old Gray Mare writes for www.DressYourHorse.com and her blog sites.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Hi Heidi.
I had heard about this horse already, but I enjoyed you much more concise accounting of this wonderful horse just the same.
Not all miracle horses make it into the limelight, though. There are plenty others that I think would also fit the description. Not that I'm partial mind you, but the horse I ride survived a broken neck and, thought quite old, is still competing. :)
Hugs,
DianneYou're so right. Not all horses that we deem miracle horses need be in the spotlight but with so much in life, it's certain personalities, horses included, that find themselves representing the others. This horse had some serious run-ins with fate and he had a protector that championed him. I love the story and I am so happy that this horse was able to survive everything.
Now then, there's your riding horse is also a lucky fellow. First of all, I truly believe you are a most gentle soul, full of kindness and partnership with the horse. Then, too, someone cared enough about this guy to see him through an incredibly complicated injury. He pulled himself through all of it because he is a fighter, he apparently enjoys life and living and he is a miracle horse.
It would be so great if you wrote about it. I'm cheering you on Dianne. It's a story worth telling. Everyone likes a success story, even when the hero is a horse!
Thanks again for your wonderful support. Hope I'm giving you some too.You give me a lot of support!
I've thought about writing about "Lucifer" but I need a lot more of the details from his owner and we never seem to have time to talk all that much. She works Monday through Friday and I'm busy on the weekend with Bernd who also works Monday through Friday. But it's definitely on my to-do list. :)You know Dianne, I don't have much information on our Patrick at all. I've simply picked up what I could. I've tried like crazy to find out more information about him but cannot find anything. You'd think that someone would recognize him - his markings are pretty distinct. I mean just the three white socks limits many horses right away. He's got a perfect blaze. Having said that, go ahead and write about Lucifer - about the good times you have together, about his idiosyncracies, about his personality, about his looks, his good efforts to work with you, about his sensitivies to the dogs barking at his hooves. Can't wait!"Lucifer's" owner's daughter has a horse that she is trying to find out more about. I've called him "Earl" in articles. He's a TB and was destined to be a race horse, but had starting block issues. Why people think that beating a horse when it doesn't do what you want will make it do what you want is beyond me. Anyway, she HAS found that one of his great grandfathers was Secretariat. But I imagine quite a few horses can make that claim. :)
I've asked them for more info about "Lucifer" but I've started an article anyway. It does seem like just telling what it is that makes him so special to me is the way to go. :)
OK. This makes me weep. I am a sucker, but I can't help it. Keep informing us. Thanks so much.Thanks for reading and a touching comment. So many animals don't get this kind of break. I'm glad he did and look at him now!
Having owned horses ( and many other animals) my entire life I have always drawn from their "true grit" and that wonderful spirit to never give up. And this horse truly is an inspiration to all as well as those wonderful humans who never gave up on him. Thanks for sharing , I intend to follow his story from hear on. I can't wait to watch him in the Olympics!I really appreciate that you stopped by to read and comment. I'm in total agreement with you about the "true grit" that is exhibited by animals. Certainly, I have experienced some impressive "grit" of horses in particular, having been fortunate enough to have known some of them. One horse comes back to mind - he was severely injured in a trailer accident and he rallied to walk and frolic and show again. I'm glad these animals have the will to survive, to never give up. It's inspirational. But when all is said and done, animals are simply very accepting. They put every bit of trust they can muster into accepting the caretaker. It is therefore incumbent for us to respect this and take the best care of them that we can.
This horse had some tough times and he survived by luck and grit. Fortunately!
I will also be watching Neville with great interest and will be cheering for his successes!
Thanks again for reading!
I have a miracle horse. Well bred qh who as a yearling broke her neck by going head first into a gate floppin over it her neck broke. The owners didnt have her put down just let her heal with the crooked neck. It was a cutting horse operation so they trained her to cut az they did the others with no intent on her competing. I met and bought her her as a 3 year old she is 6 now. For the past 3and years kids and i have ridden her many miles on trailrides have barrel raced and other various speed events placeing well. I have seen my crooked neck horse clear a 5 strand barb wire fence without touching it. Her neck does not hinder her.Wow, that's such a great story. On behalf of your horse and other horses who are getting another chance at living life with a loving owner and getting a chance again, I thank you. Many many other horse owners would thank you too, knowing your mare's story. It is easy to love and care for the perfect creature, with beauty and everything going for it, but it takes goodness, love and caring to love one that needs special attention and effort. I'm here to say that those beings that get a chance at renewed life repay that kindness with all their heart and spirit of loving. Thank heavens for kindhearted folks like you!
One of our writers also rides a horse that suffered a broken neck. The gelding came out of it fine and has taught her the "ropes" - she uses him in dressage. Together they have taught each other!
Your horse is a miracle horse to have survived such an injury. She must have extra talent and instinct and toughness to be as capable as she is. I'm so thankful that you shared yours and your horse's wonderful second chance story with us. Hope to hear more! Heidi
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