Gemma Owen and family ‘heartbroken and shocked’ after sudden death of Love Island star’s prized horse-Aisha Nozari-Entertainment – Metro

Gemma Owen, who is a professional equestrian, announced the news on Monday (Picture: Instagram/@gemowen_1)

Gemma Owen has announced her beloved horse Siz has died suddenly.

The former reality star, who is a professional equestrian, shared the sad news on Monday.

Gemma, 19, said her family was ‘shocked and heartbroken’ by Siz’s death.

Posting a series of photos and videos of herself and Siz at the beginning of the week, the sportswoman told her two million followers: ‘On Friday we lost my horse of a lifetime due to a sudden and severe illness.

‘Words can’t describe how much this horse meant to me and my family, he was truly one in a million. Everyone who met Siz will know how amazing and caring his temperament was.’

She went on: ‘He was taken far too soon, he has left us all heartbroken and in complete shock.

Gemma, 19, said her family was ‘shocked and heartbroken’ by Siz’s death (Picture: Instagram/@gemowen_1)

The reality star shared a series of photos of herself and Siz (Picture: Instagram/@gemowen_1)

Gemma’s family bought the horse in 2017 (Picture: Instagram/@gemowen_1)

Gemma wrote: ‘He was taken far too soon, he has left us all heartbroken and in complete shock’ (Picture: Instagram/@gemowen_1)

‘You taught me so much siz and I will never be able to thank you enough, you brought so much joy and happiness to our lives and you’ll never be replaced. I love you endlessly.’

According to Euro Dressage, Siz’s full name was Sirius Black and the animal died on February 3 after being sold to Gemma and her family in 2017. The horse was 18.

Gemma shot to fame on 2022’s Love Island and is not only the eldest daughter of former footballer Michael Owen and mum Louise Owen, but also an International Dressage Rider for Great Britain.

Before heading into the villa, Gemma revealed: ‘I’ve competed for Great Britain in dressage since I was 11 years old.

‘I’ve travelled all across Europe competing in big arenas in big competitions. I would say I’m very competitive.’

Gemma rose to fame on 2022’s Love Island and was coupled up with ex Luca Bish (Picture: Jonathan Hordle/Shutterstock)

Gemma’s dad is former footballer Michael Owen (Picture: George Wood/Getty Images)

Gemma’s passion for horses seems to have come from her mum Louise, who in particular loves rescuing retired racehorses.

She founded Manor House Stables in Cheshire around 2007, later expanding in 2009, along with husband Michael.

In a quote on the site, Michael said of the unexpected venture: ‘My main passions in life have always been my family and football, but I suppose a close third, is horse racing.

‘The joy of owning a racehorse is indescribable, from buying them as youngsters, watching them develop, and seeing their first visit to a racecourse.’

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Louise has long been an ambassador for the British Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre, ensuring horses have good lives after their time as racehorses comes to an end.

Her horse riding passion began when she was just aged seven, she told the Daily Mail in 2008 – and her first horse was a Welsh cob called Rolo, who she got aged 14.

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