Biko

Foaled in 1984, Biko is a 17.3 hand Thoroughbred gelding owned by Mr. Richard Thompson of Malvern, PA. With his stunning blaze and gentle demeanor, Biko has long been a special favorite of eventing fans.

Biko had a long and successful career with Karen, which included representing the United States in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and top finishes at major events such as the Badminton and Rolex three-day events. In 2000, Biko was named Horse of the Century by the USCTA (now USEA). He was officially retired at Rolex 2001, and enjoys a life of leisure in Virginia.

Biko - USCTA High Point Horse of the Century
(Reprinted with the kind permission of the USCTA)

By Jo Whitehouse

It takes a very special kind of horse to compete at the three-star level and an outstanding one to compete at a four-star. But every once in a while a superstar emerges that combined not only incredible athleticism and the immense heart and drive required to challenge the best in the world, but also possesses the presence and personality to capture and fire the imagination.

A few of the horses that come to mind are Murphy Himself, King William and Out and About. Show jumping had Milton and Gem Twist, Dressage had Rembrandt and Gifted. There are others that will spring to your minds. There is no doubt that Richard and Vita Thompson's Biko belongs on this list.

Biko convinces everyone that there is no fence too high, or too wide; no distance too far; no question too difficult. He is one of the giants in the sport of eventing. He, like those others, makes the impossible seem easy and does it with a style and grace that is unequalled.

More than anything though, Biko's personality has always shone through and has drawn people to him. His sheer size and his trademark white face have captured the imagination of children who clamor to touch him. (He even counts movie stars among his fans-Actress Bo Derek spoke of being thrilled to help sponge him down at the Atlanta Olympic Games.) Few will forget him stopping to greet his Pony Club fans after his dressage test at the Rolex Kentucky Four-Star Event in 1998. The following day his rider, Karen O'Connor, suffered some painful injuries in a fall on another horse. Biko rose to the occasion and carried her safely around the course to complete America's first four-star in fifth place.

In the last decade, Biko has notched up the highest number of points in American eventing -- 860. Had his owners concentrated on points there is no doubt he would have topped the 1,000 mark. However, wanting to preserve this very special horse they reserved him to represent the United States abroad, which he did three times in brilliant style. Whatever Biko does in the future his place in eventing history is secure. He is loved not only for what he has achieved but also for the horse he is. To Biko and his owners, Dick and Vita Thompson, a special vote of thanks is owed. Your unselfishly making this great horse available to the United States at great personal cost for so many years must not go unrecognized.

Top Ten All American High Point Horses of the Century
1. Biko (Mr. & Mrs. Richard Thompson) 860
2. Eagle Lion 579
3. Giltedge (Ms. Jacqueline Mars) 554
4. Heyday (Dr. Elinor Jenny) 546
5. Best Seller 525
6. Dr. Peaches 491
7. Galliard (Denise Rath) 487
8. Patrona (Brookside Equestrian) 473.5
9. Hopper (Mara DePuy) 463
10. Custom Made (Joe Zada) 443

(Points listed are points earned as U.S. horses. The grading points accumulated by imported horses prior to becoming U.S. owned have not been taken into account for this award.)

To honor Biko, Pat Turcotte of Lakewood, Virginia was commissioned to paint a watercolor of him with his young admirers. The picture was framed by the Gallery of Country Sport, Middleburg, Virginia.