Hickstead a Show Jumping Horse Dies During a Competition in Italy

After Hickstead, a 15 year old Dutch Warmblood, completed a round of 13 jumps at the highest level which is the grand prix, his legs gave out and he collapsed. The competition was the Rolex Federation Equestre Nationale World Cup in Verona, Italy. Eric Lamaze, the rider and owner, won a gold and silver medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing with Hickstead. Lamaze was considered the number one show jumper in the world by the Rolex rankings. This was the third time he was ranked number one. Hickstead was also considered the best jumping horse of his time. The New York Times covered this story, Hickstead, Star Show-Jumping Horse Dies During Competition.

According to the Federation Equestre Nationale Hickstead died from an aortic rupture which resulted in heart failure. This video shows Hickstead completing the course and the sudden death so if you think this will be disturbing to you, do not view.