Gemma Owen has confirmed the death of her beloved horse Siz.
The tragic news was relayed by the former reality star, who is now a professional equestrian, on Monday.
Gemma, 19, expressed her family’s’shock and heartbreak’ at Siz’s death.
Posting a series of photos and videos of herself and Siz at the beginning of the week, the sportswoman told her two million followers: ‘On Friday we lost my horse of a lifetime due to a sudden and severe illness.
‘Words can’t describe how much this horse meant to me and my family, he was truly one in a million. Everyone who met Siz will know how amazing and caring his temperament was.’
She went on: ‘He was taken far too soon, he has left us all heartbroken and in complete shock.
‘You taught me so much siz and I will never be able to thank you enough, you brought so much joy and happiness to our lives and you’ll never be replaced. I love you endlessly.’
According to Euro Dressage, Siz’s full name was Sirius Black and the animal died on February 3 after being sold to Gemma and her family in 2017. The horse was 18.
Gemma rose to prominence on Love Island in 2022 and is not only the eldest daughter of former footballer Michael Owen and mother Louise Owen, but also an International Dressage Rider for Great Britain.
‘I’ve competed for Great Britain in dressage since I was 11 years old,’ Gemma stated before entering the house.
‘I’ve travelled all across Europe competing in big arenas in big competitions. I would say I’m very competitive.’
Gemma’s interest in horses appears to have sprung from her mother, Louise, who is particularly fond of rescuing retired racehorses.
She and her husband Michael created Manor House Stables in Cheshire about 2007, later expanding in 2009.
‘My primary hobbies in life have always been my family and football, but I think a close third is horse racing,’ Michael said of the surprise undertaking.
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‘The joy of owning a racehorse is indescribable, from buying them as youngsters, watching them develop, and seeing their first visit to a racecourse.’
Louise has long been an ambassador for the British Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre, which ensures horses have excellent lives when their racing careers are over.
Her enthusiasm for horseback riding began when she was seven years old, she told the Daily Mail in 2008, and her first horse was a Welsh cob named Rolo, whom she acquired when she was fourteen.
