Recovery and Success of Farrel
Those grim words met Daniel Coyle (IRL) and Ariel Grange after their star gelding Farrel developed a cyst in his stifle. Vets feared the end of his career, but an unexpected recovery and surgery have changed that prognosis.
Farrel’s Remarkable Comeback
Now 15, Farrel stunned the show jumping world by winning the CSI5* FACES Magazine Opener at the RBC Ottawa International. The victory marked his eighth FEI success of 2025, a dramatic leap from the three 3*-plus wins he had before the injury.
Farrel’s Early Career and Injury
Farrel joined Coyle and Grange’s team at age seven and rose to become Coyle’s leading mount by ten. After the injury, hopes of a comeback were slim until a decisive operation allowed him to return to competition.
Reflections on Farrel’s Health and Performance
“He was already not comfortable enough to stand in a field, so he had to get something done,” Coyle said, reflecting on the difficult period. He added that Farrel has become one of the sport’s most successful horses this year and, rather than retiring to the pasture, still prefers the intensity of competition.