The United States Equestrian Federation extends its deepest condolences to all of the connections of the tremendous Canadian show jumping stallion Hickstead – who tragically collapsed and died this weekend while walking out of the ring after completing his round in Verona, Italy.
The Mighty Hickstead (Photo: Shannon Brinkman)
Ridden and produced by Canada’s Eric Lamaze, Hickstead’s brilliance was easy to notice. His style was exciting and dynamic, and he won fans everywhere he went. Hickstead and Lamaze won major titles on four continents including Individual Gold and Team Silver at the 2008 Olympic Games, Individual Bronze and Team Silver at the 2007 Pan American Games and Individual Bronze at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. He won the $1 million CN International Grand Prix at the Spruce Meadows Masters twice and countless Grand Prix in North America and Europe. At WEG his stock rose exponentially – show jumping fans became Hickstead fans, transcending their nationality – Hickstead jumped four impeccable rounds with four different riders in the Final Four. He was named the ‘Best Horse’ of the competition. He rose to the occasion and the different styles of riding proving what a champion he was.
“Hickstead was a wonderful horse, and he raised the game every time he went in the ring,” said USEF CEO John Long. “He will be greatly missed and we join the legions of fans and friends of Hickstead who offer our sincerest sympathies to everyone whose life is affected by the loss of this brave horse.”
Owned by the Fleischacker family (Torrey Pines Stable and Ashland Stables Inc.) and cared for throughout his career by his grooms Jerome Carron and Delphine Roustan. The 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion’s passing leaves a huge hole in the equestrian community worldwide.
The cause of his death will be determined by a necropsy.