Absent was a black Akhal-Teke stallion born in 1952 from the Arab line. His career at the highest level of dressage made him one of the breed's best-known representatives.
At the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Sergei Filatov and Absent won individual dressage gold. Four years later in Tokyo they earned individual bronze, with their result also contributing to the Soviet team bronze.
In Mexico City in 1968, Absent competed with Ivan Kalita. They placed fourth individually and formed part of the silver-medal Soviet team. The stallion therefore appeared at three consecutive Olympic Games.
His legacy is more than a medal list. Absent's story shows how the sensitivity and lightness associated with the Akhal-Teke can become sporting precision through a long, consistent partnership.
- 1960
- Rome · gold
- 1964
- Tokyo · bronze
- 1968
- Mexico · team silver
