The Legendary Clyde Z Hangs up His Boots

The upcoming 2020 South African Showjumping Championships at Shongweni Club is guaranteed to display some of the most exciting showjumping of the year. But within all the excitement, there will be a few sad moments. Alongside the official retirement of the Capital Stud’s stallion, Don Cumarco, another equine legend of the sport, Clyde Z, will hang up his boots and say goodbye to the competition arena.

The Delmon Mining & Civils-owned chestnut gelding, Clyde Z, by Cathargo Z out of a Jus de Pomme mare has been an unbelievable campaigner in the South African showjumping circuit, claiming multiple victories with both Shaun and Cathryn Neill.

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Clyde joined Shaun and Cathryn Neill’s family in 2010 and within the year, Shaun and Clyde were an unbeatable force at the 1.50m level and continued their incredible partnership for several years. Along the way, they won every major title in the country, with the exception of the elusive S.A. Derby in which the pair finished 2nd and 3rd. Among his unbelievable list of achievements, Clyde Z is the only horse in South African history to win the South African Championships with 2 separate riders, Shaun in 2012 and 2014, and Cathryn in 2018. Of the 40 FEI classes Clyde has competed in during his career, he secured podium finishes in 17 of them and, twice, he won the warm-up Grand Prix before winning the main event on the weekend. “He has had a truly remarkable career and I get goosebumps when I think of how much he has given us as a family over the past 10 years,” said Cathryn.

If that isn’t one of the best records a horse can have, then you can also add to that list wins at the Midrand WCQ in 2010, Maple Ridge WCQ in 2013, and double wins at the Cape Town WCQ in 2012 and 2013. A once in a lifetime horse that just wanted to keep on giving to the family that gave him everything.

Clyde’s full list of achievements is incredible:

• Showjumper of the Year: Clyde Z & Shaun Neill 2011, 2012
• South African Championships: Clyde Z & Shaun Neill 2011, 2014 | Clyde Z & Cathryn Neill 2018
• South African Outdoor Grand Prix: Clyde Z & Shaun Neill 2012
• President’s Cup: Clyde Z & Shaun Neill 2011, 2012
• 1.50m Tour @ WCQs: Clyde Z & Cathryn Neill 2018
• Campbell Trophy – Horse of the Year: Clyde Z 2018
• Midrand WCQ: Clyde Z & Shaun Neill 2010
• Maple Ridge WCQ: Clyde Z & Shaun Neill 2013
• Cape Town WCQ: Clyde Z & Shaun Neill 2012, 2013

Clyde has been the pride and joy of all that are close to him, including his groom, Thomas Mcoco, who has been with Clyde at every single class he has ever jumped. 

When asked, Tom honoured Clyde’s showjumping career by saying, “I have had the privilege of looking after Clyde since he arrived at Paddock Wood in 2010. Clyde is my best friend and I am so happy to see him retire as one of the best showjumping horses in SA history. Happy retirement Z!”

The love for Clyde is oozed by all his connections and when we reached out to Cathryn upon hearing the news, her response emphasized the love and adoration she and her family have for Clyde as she summarised his incredible career by saying “Clyde Z truly has been the horse of a lifetime to both Shaun and me, and we would be lucky to find one even as half as good as him again.”

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It has regularly been remarked by stewards and riders at shows that Clyde has such a noticeable character and personality and this is reiterated by Cathryn. “I think what sets him apart is his tenacious will to win!” says Cathryn. “Clyde is definitely an A-type personality who loves his job; he truly thrives on being in the ring and always gives 100%. I have never ridden a horse who is more courageous nor more clever than him.” The legendary horse has not been without his difficulties though, and Shaun’s schooling of Clyde has been crucial to his success, as she continued to say “he does pull like a steam train and it is thanks to my amazing hubby, Shaun, that Clyde is the horse he is today.”

As a tribute to Clyde Z, he will be retired in the traditional manner with the removal of his saddle at the 2020 Showjumping Championships to honour his career and his spectacular record at the event. Clyde will then be retired to the gorgeous fields of Paddock Wood, the Neill-owned farm in JHB, where he will be loved and pampered as dearly as he has always been. Clyde will remain active on hacks and the occasional jump with Cathryn “just so that he doesn’t forget how special he is!”, as both Cathryn and Shaun continue to compete on their growing string of younger horses. 

We think the entire showjumping community will agree with Cathryn’s final sentiments: “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Clyde Z.”

-The JumpOff-

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