The sad news has been released that the vibrant, firey and unbelievably talented 16.3hh chestnut dressage mare Cinderella was put to sleep in Germany on Tuesday, 3rd July, 2007 after the cancerous tumours spread throughout her body.

Cinderella, ridden so superbly by Matthew Dowsley, for owner Claudia Harper danced her way into the hearts of the Australian Dressage public and there will be many mourning the loss of this wonderful mare and sharing the pain of Matthew and Claudia.

Claudia Harper purchased Cinderella at the 2000 Hannoverian Elite Auction in Verden Germany, with the original intent being for Claudia to ride the mare. This was not to be as Cinderella proved to be quite a handful and so it was decided that Matthew would continue to ride the mare.

The 11 year old mare won many Australian titles and then went to the World Equestrian Games in 2006 where they finished a very creditable 29th out of 76 and this was to be just the beginning for this talented pair.

Cinderella and Matthew then won the right to represent Australia at the World Cup Final and traveled to Europe to prepare for the event but unfortunately a cancerous tumour was discovered again on her eye and this was successfully operated on.

Things looked like they were going to come good but unfortunately further tumours were found in other parts of the mare's body and the decision was made to put her to sleep - no doubt one of the hardest decisions Matthew and Claudia have ever made.

Cinderella achieved so much and had so much more to do - she will be missed by the Australian public for her inspiring performances, which showed such vibrance ridden by Matthew with empathy, tact and precision, without taking away her wonderful joie de vivre!

Our condolences to Claudia Harper and Matthew Dowsley on the loss of a dressage superstar.
Matthew was so generous with his and Cinderella's time and at DWTS took the time to allow one of her many fans, Katrina Mann to meet the redhead in person, in her stable. It was a moment which Katrina treasures as one of the most special of moments and her gratitude to Matthew and Cinderella for the time is immeasurable.

These images were captured at DWTS 2006 in Werribee, Victoria, Australia where Cinderella and Matthew won the Pacific League World Cup class.

Thankyou Cinderella for bringing world class dressage and so much pleasure to Australian equestrian audiences and rest in peace beautiful lady.
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