Norwegian Grand Prix team rider Cathrine Rasmussen lost her number one horse Orlando following a severe colic attack. The 13-year old Swedish Warmblood gelding (by Master x Martini) was euthanized this morning.
The gelding had developed a severe colic and was transported to the Ansager Equine Clinic where he was operated on. The veterinarians discovered that the horse was suffering from pedunculated lipoma strangulation. A fatty lump in the small intestines had wrapped itself around a loop of intestines and pulled a tight knot. The horse made it through the recovery but his sitatuon worsened again today and he was operated on again. Unfortunately a big part of the colon had become gangrenous. It was decided in the best interest of the horse to euthanize him.
"This is terribly sad, shocking and painful. Orlando has never been sick before," Rasmussen commented. "It is hard to understand that Orlando is gone all of a sudden. We've been together for almost 8 years. He was the sweetest horse on earth. He had deserved to get old and do nothing but eat grass all day long, the best thing in his world."
Rasmussen and Orlando were a Norwegian team member at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky and 2011 European Dressage Championships in Rotterdam. They won team bronze at the 2011 Nordic Baltic Championships in Ypaja, Finland, and finished 8th in the Kur to Music Finals.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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