Heartbreak as horse dies at Olympia
A horse has died at Olympia, the London International Horse Show, despite the best efforts of vets.
Belgian showjumper Karel Cox’s ride Chalino Z, who was owned by Karel, Horses Byba and Louis Woestenborghs, collapsed and died in the stables late last night (21 December).
Vets were on the scene immediately but despite “intensive treatment”, the eight-year-old grey could not be saved.
FEI veterinary delegate Paul Farrington said; “Everything humanly possible was done, but unfortunately the horse could not be saved.”
Karel, who represented Belgium at the World Equestrian Games in September, had been competing the Chippendale Z gelding since October, when they contested a number of classes at the Horse of the Year Show.
They have since been jumping internationally at 1.30m to 1.45m level, finishing in third place at a CSI2* show in Kronenberg last month. They had jumped the 1.45m Keith Prowse Father Christmas Stakes accumulator earlier yesterday evening.
In a statement today, Karel’s team said: “Very sad news from London, our loved horse Chalino Z passed away this night after a tragic incident.
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“We wish to thank everyone for all the calls, messages and support in this difficult time.
“Here is a video of Chalino, the way we remember him, simply amazing.”
Karel’s team added that the horse was found to have sustained a small wound after the accumulator, and he was given an injection by the vet but died soon afterwards.
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Very sad news from London, our loved horse Chalino Z passed away this night after a tragic incident. We wish to thank everyone for all the calls, messages and support in this difficult time. Here is a video of Chalino, the way we remember him, simply amazing ❤️Posted by Karel Cox Horses on Saturday, December 22, 2018
Show director Simon Brooks-Ward said: “It is always sad to lose a horse and our thoughts go out to the owners and rider at this difficult time.”
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday. In the current edition (20 December) don’t miss our ‘Review of the Year’ issue, including the best pictures captured in 2018, the people and equine stars we said goodbye to, the biggest stories to hit the headlines and much more.
Don’t miss a moment of H&H’s extensive coverage. Check out dressage and Wednesday-Saturday showjumping reports in the 28 December issue (out Friday, not Thursday this week because of Christmas schedules), while showing, driving and Sunday showjumping coverage will be in the 3 January 2019 issue.
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.