Diallo, Rising Star of Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Dies From Mystery Illness
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Jan 6, 2026
Diallo BB, the 11-year-old rising star of Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, died Tuesday from a mystery illness.
“Had to let you go this morning Diallo,” said Jessica on her Facebook site of the shocking news about the Hanoverian gelding that was ranked No. 10 in the world.
“And no word feels big enough for what’s broken inside me right now.
“Just over the weekend we danced together, it all felt so easy.
“And then this disease came like a storm, silent, merciless and unstoppable, ate through your body in hours and ripped my heart out of my chest.
“Investigations are still ongoing, the suspicion is on the Bornavirus.”
(Bornavirus is a RNA virus, primarily known for causing fatal neurological and gastrointestinal diseases in mammals such as horses.)
Jessica was recently in Wellington, Florida, coaching the Zen Elite Equestrian riders.
Diallo came into prominence in the first international competition with Jessica last April following the retirement of her world No. 1 TSF Dalera BB.
In eight Grand Prix starts since then, the partnership was victorious seven times, including at the World Cup qualifier in Stuttgart, Germany in November.
Diallo received the prestigious Otto Lörke Prize at the Frankfurt Christmas show to recognize outstanding young horses in Grand Prix dressage.
“You have been fighting,” Jessica reported. “We fought together. We had to let you go with a broken heart because yours couldn’t anymore.
“It’s quiet now and I know you’re out of pain, that you’re free.
“But your seat is empty. And yet you’re everywhere. In that love that can’t find no body anymore.
“Thank you, Diallo.
“For your love.
“For your strength.
“For your trust.
“For every moment that we were together.
“You’ve been a great gift.
“I carry you in my heart.”
