Carling King (1991 – 16 February 2014) was a horse that was ridden by the Irish international showjumper Kevin Babington.

Carling King
Kevin Babington and Carling King show jumping indoors
BreedIrish Sport Horse
SireClover Hill (RID)
GrandsireGolden Beaker (Thoroughbred)
DamGortnageer Star (ID Sport Horse)
Maternal grandsireChair Lift (Thoroughbred)
SexGelding
Foaled1991
Glenamaddy, County Calway, Ireland
Died16 February 2014(2014-02-16) (aged 22–23)
Pennsylvania, United States[1]
CountryIreland
ColourChestnut
OwnerKindle Hill Farm, Pennsylvania
Carling King
Medal record
Equestrian
European Championships
Gold medal – first place 2001 Arnhem Jumping Team
Kevin Babington and Carling King

Carling King was originally bought as a 7-year-old as a mount for his owner, amateur Saly Glassman. After arriving in the United States, his talent (and a somewhat difficult nature) was discovered and Irishman Kevin Babington took over the reins shortly thereafter. Since then, Carling King was eighth in the World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain 2002, won multiple international Nation’s Cups in 2003, and was the 2001 Samsung Nation’s Cup leading horse. Kevin and Carling King placed 4th individually at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. After winning several major Grand Prix competitions in 2004, King was sidelined with an injury to one of his ligaments but has since returned to competition successfully.

Before his arrival in the USA, "King", as he was nicknamed, was crowned the 5 year-old champion at the prestigious RDS Dublin Horse Show with rider Michael Buckley. The class was renamed in his honor as the "Carling King Five Year Old National Championship".

King was famous for his incredible consistency in competition and his stylish technique. Although most of his grooms managed to find a softer side, he was known for being somewhat tough and would, on occasion, bite the arm of those not paying enough attention.

Carling King was officially retired on 9 March 2007 at the age of 16. He was euthanized on 16 February 2014.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Equestrian star Carling King passes away
  2. ^ "Irish Sport Horse Legend Carling King Passes Away". Archived from the original on 27 February 2014. Retrieved 2014-02-19.
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