In 2022, we ran a story about Becky ‘Dolly’ Holden, who broke her back in a horse-riding accident. Becky’s determination to get back in the saddle, no matter how daunting that seemed, touched many people. In an update to her story, we are sad to share the news that Darker Shade of Gray, her beloved ‘Becks’ who she was riding that day and has been her equine partner in everything, has passed away.
Becks – Darker Shade Of Gray (Distinkt x Samaur Bint Benedict)
24 May 2003 – 4 March 2025
It gives me great sadness to announce the following. The post I will never be ready to write as on 4 March, we said a heart wrenching goodbye to my beautiful boy.
Becks fought against the odds for 2.5 months but was too tired and in too much pain to carry on. I will always be in awe of his resilience and strength.
Our relationship was never based on rosettes and winning. Mainly because we spent most of our time at the end on the line. But what we had was special. I feel the only way to do him any justice is to tell our story.
We first set eyes on Becks whilst having a riding lesson and, quite simply, fell in love. He had won a lot of competitions, including competing at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), he jumped and was absolutely beautiful.
My mum wanted to buy him desperately but her partner at the time had a brain haemorrhage so a second horse was off the cards. Friends of ours ended up buying him instead.
Years went by and we decided to look again for a second horse. I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw Becks advertised. We went and viewed immediately. When I rode him I couldn’t make him canter but I didn’t care because I simply wanted him for my own.
So, in 2013 ‘Mr B’ came home. Becks taught me a lot. We had a go at cross county, we jumped, he introduced me into the HOYS classes and even did a fantasy photoshoot in which Becks proudly dressed as a unicorn.
In 2019 we had a riding accident and this confirmed that it was time to retire him from the show-ring. His his last outing was at the British Arabian Championships, and he made a tremendous scene! But I still couldn’t love him any less.
After a few more hacking adventures, his arthritis took hold and so we retired him completely. Becks was more than happy to love a life of luxury.
In 2020 Becks ended up with a serious colic which resulted in surgery. The last thing I remember saying to him was ‘I love you. Now please fight’. Which is exactly what he did. Even the surgeon called him a superstar.
Becks has given me many adventures over our years together. But what I will remember most is the pure love.
Becks, these words will never be enough but thank you for everything you have ever done for me and taught me. You fought valiantly and I’m glad I was privileged enough to be with you and hold you until the end. I will love you forever, don’t ever forget that.
Run free my beautiful, beloved Becks.
