The Canadian equestrian community was left reeling Sunday after the sudden death of Hickstead, the legendary stallion that helped Eric Lamaze win a pair of Olympic medals at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Hickstead died during a World Cup event after collapsing to the ground and writhing in pain inside a packed arena.
From better times;
What is Sprice Medows?
Yeah, the video title leaves a little to be desired.
Should that be Spruce Meadows, in Calgary AB.
Great horse. I saw him at the WEG in Kentucky. RIP Stix
Amazing horse. Beautiful form.
All jumping horses are beautiful animals, but some are more beautiful than others.
JUST BEAUTIFUL! Thank you, Kate.
Both my grandfathers, born at about the turn of the last two centuries, were horsemen. One had a painting of his favourite hunter in his front hall.
What noble creatures horses are. Isn’t it sad that most people now have no experience at all of horses, other than pictures or videos?
Can someone tell me,why cbc had to show this stunning animal fall,then writhing on the ground? It was just sickening to see,and so not called for. I cannot stand seeing an animal in pain.
A horse and rider that are in tune with each other really is a beautiful thing to watch. My daughter is a pro who competes at a high level and at some of the shows they have music during the event. Whenever possible I ask the announcer to play a certain song when she does her round. To watch the horse and rider and hear the music at the same time is like a fine symphony. It is hard for the lay person to understand how complex it is. There must be COMPLETE TRUST on the part of both the horse AND rider. The rider has to trust that the horse will do what is asked of him unfailingly and the horse must have trust that the rider will not ask him to do what he is not capable of. Anything less results in fences down or worse- the rider comming off the horse. Lamaze and Hickstead obviously had that special realtionship (and ability) that doesn’t come along too often. So sad.
Sammy,
Despite there was apparent movement, the horse was most likely already unconscious and no longer capable of feeling pain.
Was CBC wrong to continue broadcasting the sight of a dying horse? Most definitely.
But why did you continue watching instead of switching the station?
“Was CBC wrong to continue broadcasting the sight of a dying horse?” Not at all. We don’t live in a Disney world but rather one of life and death. Death and dying are not to be shunned. The fact is that out of all existence only the living die.
Fabulous horse, but unfortunately this is not surprising as the better horses are often pushed right to the very limits of what their bodies can handle. This is a well known fact.
Keep in mind he was 15, which is about 50 in human years. I’d like to see any readers of this blog who are 50 engage in an equivalent amount of physical activity and not be ready to nearly drop.
For example run to the top of the CN tower and tell us how you feel when you get to the top.
It would have been a much happier ending if this animal had been retired at an appropriate age.
Mike,I couldn’t get to the remote to switch stations quickly enough..believe me,I tried…and have NOT had cbc or the news on the rest of the day.I chose to not view this type of ‘news’ but it sure doesn’t mean I don’t care.I am well aware of what happens when someone passes,having worked in long-term care for over 30 years,have sat and held coountless hands as many seniors left this world…have ‘rejoiced’ as a cancer patient finally reached peace.But,for some reason,this poor horse today just hit me at a weak moment I guess.
15 isn’t old for a show jumper. Perhaps just past his peak, but not retirement age.
What a shame. The owners must be horrified at the loss of such a magnificent animal.
Sammy, etc. – Do you think that not seeing the animal in pain actually lessens the pain? Sometimes one must face reality. That’s life.
Agreed Kate, 15 not very old at all…our last show horse was 18 and was an excellent mover. There’s a horse in our barn in his 20’s who still manages to pin 1sts consistently.
Hickstead was a very hot horse I have heard not many were able to ride him…and even some were hesitant to. I’m doubtful we’ll see another connection like Lamaze/Hickstead in our lifetime.