Spencer Wilton paid tribute to his horse Super Nova II, who passed away at the age of 22 after a successful retirement. The British Hanoverian gelding took Spencer to the Rio Olympics where they won silver, as well as to the World Equestrian Games in Tryon where they won bronze.
Super Nova II was produced by Carl Hester and competed by Katie Bailey before Spencer took over. Spencer described Super Nova II as his "horse of a lifetime" who took him to places he never thought he would reach. The horse had a unique look and incredible natural power and strength.
Despite missing much of 2019 due to back surgery, Spencer and Super Nova II started 2020 strongly with wins at the Lier CDI4 and Keysoe CDI3. They aimed for selection for the Tokyo Olympics, but the pandemic led to the decision to retire Super Nova II. Carl Hester praised the horse as a natural star with amazing energy and abilities.