The equestrian world mourns the sudden loss of Diallo, the promising eleven-year-old dressage gelding of four-time German Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. Diallo, seen as the successor to the retired legendary mare Dalera, succumbed to a rapid and fatal illness likely caused by the Borna virus, a neurological infection that leads to severe brain and spinal cord inflammation. Von Bredow-Werndl expressed profound grief over the abrupt loss of her equine partner, highlighting the deep personal and professional bond they shared and the devastating impact on her competitive plans.

Diallo’s death not only represents a personal tragedy but also a significant setback for von Bredow-Werndl’s career and the global dressage scene, as horses of Diallo’s caliber are rare and require years of training to reach elite levels. The Borna virus, transmitted mainly through contact with infected shrews, causes neurological symptoms that rapidly worsen, often resulting in death. The equestrian community has rallied in support of von Bredow-Werndl, recognizing the loss of a horse with immense potential and the challenges ahead in finding and developing a new partner for high-level competition.