Kelly Ogier, a former showjumper from Guernsey, rode her horse Tink down the wedding aisle as a tribute to her late father. Ogier, 34, stated that the act was the "most meaningful tribute" she could devise, as the thought of someone other than her father giving her away had previously deterred her from marrying.
Her husband, Justin, 37, who also works in showjumping, along with her mother and bridesmaids, were aware of the plan. However, the entrance surprised the other guests.
Ogier explained that she acquired Tink on what would have been her father's birthday, which she felt was a significant coincidence. "Having Tink walk me down the aisle was the most meaningful tribute," she said. The bride's father's absence was particularly felt on her wedding day, a milestone she acknowledged as a time when such losses are keenly felt.
Ogier and Tink had an accomplished showjumping career together before two separate injuries ended their competitive run two years prior. Ogier sustained a knee injury that required surgery, ending her career, shortly followed by an injury to Tink that concluded his. Ogier described retiring from showjumping as one of the most difficult decisions she has ever made.
She reflected that she had not anticipated their wedding day marking the end of their showjumping chapter, viewing the ceremony as a final occasion to be formally dressed and to celebrate their shared achievements before embarking on a new phase of life.
![Kelly, from Guernsey, said the thought of someone giving her away with her father no longer being her had 'actually put [her] off getting married'](https://skyline.hi-rise.media/images/TahbjsR3xYW4 "Ogier stated that the absence of her father had made her hesitant to marry.")
Despite the end of their professional careers, Ogier and Tink have maintained a close friendship. The ceremony proceeded smoothly, with Tink navigating the aisle gracefully, surprising most of the guests. "It could have gone so wrong – there was a massive pond behind us, and I was a little bit worried that I would end up in the pond!" Ogier remarked, noting Tink's calm demeanor amidst the crowd.
Tink also attended the reception, posing for photographs with guests and remaining with the newlyweds for the remainder of the celebration. Ogier described the day as "magical" and a "dream come true," emphasizing that having Tink by her side served as a reminder that while their showjumping partnership had concluded, their bond remained.
