Dressage Great Farbenfroh Passes Away

Dressage superstar Farbenfroh, ridden to multiple Gold Medals by Germany's Nadine Capellmann, passed away Monday December 20, 2004.

The striking 14-year-old Westphalien gelding was recovering from an operation addressing injuries to his legs when he fell after trying to stand up in the recovery stall. He sustained a severe femoral  neck fracture and was put down.

Capellmann is devastated over the loss, calling her equine partner a "once in a lifetime horse". Farbenfroh carried Capellmann to Team Gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Team Gold and Invidivual Bronze medals at the 2001 European Championships, as well as Team and Individual Gold at the 2002 World Equestrian Games.  Farbenfroh pulled a tendon following the 2002 World Equestrian Games and was never able to make a full recovery to the competition ring.

As with many extremely talented individuals, Farbenfroh was known for his unpredictability. One day he could put in an unbelievable performance and the next day he could be spooking and refusing to go. His explosiveness and electricity in the ring made him a favourite with both the audience and the judges. 

He will be sadly missed.