Photo by Molly Sorge.
It’s with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to one of the show jumping world’s greatest horses. Hickstead took Eric Lamaze to the absolute pinnacle of equestrian sport, from the hallowed grounds of Spruce Meadows to the top of the podium at the 2008 Olympics. He was a gold medal horse through and through, a true fighter and a horse who loved his job until the end. I don’t need to recount what happened – the whole equestrian world is reeling with the news. We feel for Hickstead, for Eric, and for the entire team. It’s always hard to lose a horse and partner, but having it happen so suddenly is especially painful. For now, we must take solace in the fact that Hickstead left us doing what he loved; and remember him for his victories. He was a bright spark in our world – unstoppable and bold – and he is gone far too soon.
