A sad day.
We have some very sad news.
Our beautiful Diabo was peacefully put to sleep this afternoon. He made it to the grand old age of 28, but his legs could no longer keep up with him.
We first met Diabo when he was a wild five-year-old stallion in Portugal. His utter beauty and immense presence captured us instantly and we fell in love with him, so we went about bringing him back to Turville to start his training. It was evident right from the start that he was something special. The most intelligent of horses, he learnt everything so quickly and his movements were breath taking. As he performed, he appeared to float with grandeur and effortlessness that proved to be unmatchable not only to the innocent eye, but also in competition.
He won numerous prizes for breed classes at home and abroad and was five times British Champion Lusitano at the breed show. He won just about everything freestyle to music, often bringing tears to the eyes, and once went to Belgium and won every class he entered. His displays at Turville were ‘jaw dropping’; in fact Diabo was an inspiration to many people becoming fans of the Lusitano Horse and therefore promoted the breed in this country.
Out of the ring, he allowed a select, lucky few to experience his ride and learn something truly unforgettable. Those who were fortunate enough to ride him described it as experience like no other. This delight was quite often shared as a birthday gift, and the family children have had the honour to have their first ‘sit’ on Diabo.
He hung up his shoes a few years ago and earned the title  ‘King of the Yard’ as he made his way in and out of his stable to graze, sunbathe and chat to all of the other horses as he pleased. He was such a playful character; a horse who was loved and respected by everyone who met him (which was often rewarded with a carrot or two!)
Diabo was a King amongst Lusitanos. He was a noble gentleman to the end, whose beauty and flamboyance was second to none. He sired many sons and daughters all over the world, many who have had international successes, so his legacy lives on.
There will never be another Diabo; he will be so sadly missed.
He was a true legend that can never be replaced and certainly never forgotten.
See our facebook page for many lovely tributes from those who met him..
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Turville-Valley-Stud/162298697191194
Diabo
What sad news. But he will have left many many happy memories. Diabo could not have wish or wanted for a better home.
Dear Angela and Diane,
We are very sorry to hear about Diabo our hearts go out to you at this sad time.
RIP Dear Diabo You Will Be Sorely Missed xxx
Dear Angela and Diane
I share your sadness at the loss of this beautiful boy who allowed me to ride him some time ago – a fantastic experience and one which has kept my enthusiasm for classical dressage going. He always seemed to know when I arrived on the yard waiting for his banana and carrots. Keep dancing Diabo in horsey heaven. I will never forget you.
As a child I always had a dream horse. It took me 45 years to find and ride that dream horse – Diabo! Cherished memories never to be forgotten. We loved Diabo and will miss him dreadfully. RIP Diabo – your spirit remains.
Oh I’m so very sorry to hear this. What a fantastic horse he was and such a wonderful character, we will all miss him so much. Thinking of you all. Rest in peace Diabo xx
So sad to hear that Diabo has departed this world. Apart form the special place in your heart he holds, always remember the delight he has brought to so many from those lucky enough to ride him or to watch him so breath taking in your displays and also in his latter years wandering the yard happy in his retirement, he truly was a joyous sight to behold.
I was one of those very honoured and lucky people to have been able to ride Diabo and like so many of those sending tributes will never ever forget it. I especially remember the smile of utter joy he brought to everyone who experienced his piaffe! There will never be another horse quite as special, as intelligent or that could match his total charisma. He will live on though, in people’s hearts and memories. Thinking of you all at this sad time
Dear Angela and Diane,
So sorry to hear that you’re beautiful Diabo has passed away, he was a special soul.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Sorry to hear this sad news. Diabo was the most beautiful and special horse I have ever known and I will never forget him.
Passed on from
Luis Valença Equestrian Art, Portugal. Re Diabo
Twenty-three years ago, with great enthusiasm and love for the Lusitano horse, Nan Thurman found a horse of Veiga lines. This horse was very baroque, with a strong but gentle character. She bought him and brought him to Turville for the enjoyment of all the family.
They transformed him into a masterpiece of living Equestrian Art, who for the last few decades was not just a promoter of the Lusitano breed, but a strong presence in the world of exhibition and competition in the UK and Europe with his rider Diana…
He left, and for sure is with his great friend Nan… in an unknown world where they both now belong.