Mistatiger was Charlotte's horse of a life time, she has been all over the country and world competing with him was long and short listed for the olympics. Sadly on Saturday 7th January 2012 Tiger (his stable name) was put to sleep, this has left a huge gap at Park End he will be missed by everyone. Below is a couple of stories written by Mandy Nichol Charlotte's mum and Tigers ever devoting groom Kelly Coulson.
One in a million
It all started when I was a little girl - I would get in from school, tack up my pony and gallop across the fields – ready to have my weekly riding lesson with Charlotte Ridley (nee Nichol) at Heatherington Farm, Northumberland. It did not take me long to realise that if I galloped that little bit faster, I would get there even earlier and catch Charlotte riding one of her “BIG” horses. Then one day I saw him - a bright bay gelding floating around the arena as if he wasn’t touching the floor, then finishing off his training session by skipping over a couple of fences that to me looked impossible. I asked in amazement, who is he? Charlotte replied “Tiger, but to anyone who hasn’t been introduced he’s Mistatiger”.
From that day I avidly followed the career of Charlotte and her home bred Mistatiger, happily watching them on the TV competing successfully at Badminton, little knowing that in 1997 I would start working for Charlotte and have Mistatiger under my wing and in my care! After a very short two weeks, my first trip away was to Badminton… nothing like getting thrown in at the deep end! It was the best experience of my life, assisted by a great team and a wonderful horse who by this stage thought he was an old pro; he behaved beautifully and practically told me what to do. Mistatiger and I became very well-travelled - Badminton to Burghley and all points in between – having the most fantastic time. I was soon allowed to call him “Mr T” or “Tiger” “Don’t be naughty Tiger” became a well-worn phrase!!
After many amazing years eventing, Tiger was retired, he of course carried on, but with his second most favourite pass time, Hunting. He sadly broke his leg in the field on a rare day off, but made a full recovery and much to his disgust was then fully retired to the park in front of the house to look after all the waifs and strays that needed a steady hand and a “bit chat” to help them on their way. Tiger also made some guest appearances; he opened Park End Equestrian Centre and was a very special guest at my wedding in May where we had some amazing photographs taken together.
On the 5th of Jan 2012 Charlotte Ridley had a fall from a young horse and sadly boke both of her legs, we all hope that she makes a full recovery, but this will take time. “Mistatiger” - who has always had a sixth sense – decided that it, was time to hang up his boots and we lost him two days later. It has been my greatest honour to have known such a big hearted, brave and amazing horse. He will be missed by all.
Kelly Coulson
Charlotte Ridley & Mistatiger
Charlotte Ridley has not had a good start to 2012; on the 4th of Jan she suffered a bad fall off a young horse at home resulting in two broken legs, one very badly shattered. If this was not enough her beloved Mistatiger had to be put to sleep due to old age on the 7th of Jan while Charlotte was in hospital. This ended their 28 year partnership which took them too many events including Badminton. In 1998 they were shortlisted for the British team and made first reserve.
Mistatiger was homebred on Charlottes parents farm in Northumberland, Tiger was by Java Tiger and his great grandmother was the last working Clydesdale on the farm.
Tiger attended Charlottes wedding to Nick Ridley in 1995 and recently in May 2011 he put in an appearance at Kelly Bells wedding, his devoted groom since coming to work for Charlotte in 1997. Tiger was a horse of a lifetime and has never been surpassed. Tiger gave so many people so much pleasure and he will be greatly missed.
