RIP Hickstead

[Jacqueline Pike]

FOund this information about his death online. He was a great horse. RIP Hickstead!


CALGARY - Canadian Olympic champion Eric Lamaze and the equestrian world is in mourning after his legendary show jumper Hickstead collapsed and died Sunday.

Spruce Meadows vice president Ian Allison confirmed the superstar horse died suddenly during the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series in Verona, Italy.

Lamaze and Hickstead had just completed a 13-fence track with a single rail down when Hickstead collapsed and died, said the FEI in a statement.

“The competition was stopped at the request of the riders, and Lamaze’s fellow-competitors gathered in the Verona arena to pay their respects to one of the greatest horses of all time, and to support their colleague in his moment of loss with a minute's silence,” the statement said.

FEI Jumping Director, John Roche, said the cause of death is unknown.

“But our deepest sympathies go out to the owners, to Eric and to all the connections of one of the greatest Jumping horses of all time,” he said.

“Hickstead’s presence on the circuit will be very sadly missed”.

[hjcayus]

I am saddened greatly to hear this. At least he went out doing what he loved-jumping

[Emily Walsh]

R.I.P Hickstead. Me and one of my friends got upset after hearing this, couldn't believe it.

[maria]

I heard this yesterday right after it happened. He went down doing what he loved, he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. My sympathies go out to Eric, but also Hickstead's grooms. One of the girls at my barn rode for Eric and knew the horse personally. So, so sad. He was an amazing athlete, and Canada will miss him greatly.