Farewell WG Rubins Nite

British Dressage is saddened to bid a heartfelt farewell to the fantastic WG Rubins Nite— affectionately known as Squeaks, whose passed away at the age of 21 after a bout of colic on Sunday 26 October. Partnered throughout his career with Hayley Watson-Greaves, this remarkable gelding embodied the spirit of harmony, consistency and partnership that defines the sport at its best. 

Born in 2004, the British-bred Hanoverian gelding by Rubin Royal and out of Little Wixi (by Limbo) was discovered by Hayley as a two-year-old, purchased for £3,000 and became her horse of a lifetime. From those early days together, it was clear that Rubins Nite possessed not only exceptional trainability, but a genuine desire to please. With patience, dedication and quiet belief, the pair forged a partnership that would carry them from Novice level to the very pinnacle of international Grand Prix sport. 

Squeaks began his competition journey in December 2008, making a BD national test debut at Novice level at the age of four years old. Jump forward three years, and the black gelding made his Prix St Georges debut, showing much promise for things to come.  

By 2013, they were impressing on the Small Tour circuit before moving up to Big Tour with grace and confidence. Together they represented Great Britain at Nations Cup competitions across Europe, making their team debut in 2015 at CHIO Rotterdam and going on to ride at some of the continent’s biggest shows, including Aachen, Compiegne, Hagen and Saumur. Hayley also travelled further afield, taking her ‘heat loving’ partner to Doha to contest international competition in Qatar on three occasions. Each outing reflected the trust between them—Hayley’s sympathetic riding matched perfectly with Squeaks’ willing temperament and natural elegance. 

British crowds enjoyed watching the duo in action on no less than five occasions at the London International Horse Show; this will be a fond memory for many, as the gelding thrived on this particular show and produced plenty of top performances.  

Rubins Nite’s reliability on the biggest of stages made him a stalwart of the British squad, and he was named reserve for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games – a career-defining achievement that reflected his consistency and class. 

2017 proved to be the crowning moment of their career when Hayley and Rubins Nite became British National Grand Prix Champions, a testament to years of hard work, partnership and perseverance. The pair were popular winners at Stoneleigh, with their trademark extended trot and joyous way of going adding their name to the history books.  

The following year, the pair represented Great Britain at the FEI World Cup Final in Paris, where they held their own among the world’s elite. In the Freestyle to Music finale, they earned 75.34% and placed 11th; a creditable result at the height of Britain’s golden era.  

Beyond his accolades, Squeaks was adored by Hayley, the Watson Greaves family and his fans for his character. Sensitive, intelligent and full of presence, he brought a touch of charisma to every arena he entered. Those who knew him best recall a horse who thrived on attention and a big occasion, loved his work, and who shared an unbreakable bond with his rider.  

When Rubins Nite was retired from competition in 2023, it was done with great pride and gratitude at the National Convention, as part of the 25 years of British Dressage celebrations. Hayley and Squeaks performed their freestyle one final time in front of an admiring audience. He had given his all to the sport, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and joy. In the words of his devoted rider, he was “simply irreplaceable.” 

WG Rubins Nite will be remembered not only for his achievements in the arena, but for the heart and spirit he brought to every performance, all whilst flying the flag for homegrown talent. He represented the very best of British dressage - a true gentleman, an ambassador for the sport and above all, a beloved partner. 

Caroline Griffith of the World Class Programme commented on a horse she watched grow through his career: “I was privileged to watch the partnership between Hayley and Rubins Nite (Squeaks) blossom from its early days.  He was a horse with an undeniable presence in the arena, your eyes were instantly drawn to them as a combination.  The judges felt it too, and together they travelled the world as key members of the GBR Nations Cup teams and competing at the very top level of the sport as individuals.  What a profound loss for Hayley, he was truly part of her family.  His memory will live on for all of those who were privileged to see him doing what he loved most – performing before an audience.” 

British Dressage offers condolences to Hayley and all of Squeaks' connections on the loss of this very special horse.