He had been a top 148cms competitor both at home and abroad, and was ridden in the past by some of Ireland’s brightest young riders.

By Ard Talisman out of the Grange Sand Sparrow mare Coillchru Esmerelda, Sillogue Darkie was bred by Eamonn Briscoe and remained in his ownership since. Initially ridden by Eamonn Jnr, he was then produced by future national champion Alexander Butler.

After two very successful seasons, and brief spells with Nicholas Butler and Stacey Meegan, the ride was taken over by the late Benny Kuehnle, who rode him for a year before handing over to David Blake. He was followed by Jessica Burke and then another subsequent national champion in Michael Duffy. For the last three years he was ridden by Kelly and Kerry Taggart. Since 2001, he had amassed some 1,157 ShowjumpingIreland points.

Announcing his passing, the Briscoe family released a statement: “On early Sunday morning Sillogue Darkie passed away after taking very ill suddenly in his home yard. Nothing in the way of veterinary intervention could be done. We the Briscoe family are proud to have bred, owned and competed Sillogue Darkie who represented the Connemara breed and the Irish Sport Horse so well for many years.

“He had many accomplishments both at home and internationally with the Irish team where he won a bronze and silver European Championship medal. He was voted Connemara Pony of the Decade in 2010. Darkie has left us many fond memories and great days that will never be forgotten.”

Sillogue Darkie enjoyed individual and Nations Cup wins in Belguim, Italy, France, England and The Netherlands, leading to his owner/breeder being inducted into the Connemara Pony Breeders Hall of Fame.

A career highlight for the family was Sillogue Darkie’s victory in the 148cms championship at the 2004 Dublin Horse Show under Kuehnle. That was followed a week later by success at Millstreet and they were narrowly denied a major hat-trick that year when second at Belfast International.

The family was looking forward to a possible 10th qualification for the Dublin Horse Show this year.

Writing on Facebook, Michael Duffy said: “Darkie was so close to my heart and that of my family’s. It was like he was the seventh member of our family.

“That’s how special he was to us. RIP Darkie, you will always be remembered and never forgotten. Thank you for all the successes.”

Another former rider David Blake said: “I was very saddened to hear about Darkie’s passing. He was an exceptional pony and I am very grateful to have had the pleasure of sharing a year of his competition life with him.

“He was a major boost to my riding career and has given me some unforgettable memories and wins. I am very thankful to the Briscoe family for keeping Darkie in their ownership and giving me and many other young riders such a great chance in riding him. He was a brilliant pony with an unbelievable heart.”