Horses Unlimited’s grand prix dressage stallion Galant du Serein has been euthanized. The 13-year-old bay Selle Francais stallion was suffering from laminitis as a result of complications from an injury sustained during hernia surgery in April. Every effort was made to save the Olympic dressage horse, but when the laminitis became too painful, the decision was made to let Galant go.

“This is heartbreaking,” said Anne Sparks Whitten, owner of Horses Unlimited. “Galant had a zeal for life and to know that he was in such pain was agonizing.”

Galant du Serein competed in the Belgian Young Horse Championships before going on to a grand prix career with Hubertus Schmidt, Cesar Parra and Mikala Gundersen. In addition to competing at the World Cup Finals, FEI World Equestrian Games and the Olympic Games, Galant du Serein was a successful competitor on the North American CDI circuit. In 2006, he won four grand prix level classes at the Zada Enterprises Dressage Classic CDI, Raleigh CDI, Paxton Farms CDI and Dressage at Devon CDI.

In addition to his own competitive career, Galant was beginning to prove himself as a successful sire. Among his early offspring are his son Galante HU who received an 8.4 on movement at his RPSI foal inspection in 2005, and Galatea HU, who also received top scores and silver premium at her inspection.

“Galant was a very special horse,” Anne continued. “Everyone who saw him was impressed by his charisma. Galant exemplified what being a stallion is all about. We want to thank all of the people who worked round the clock to try to save him.”