Jessica Süss' Friesian Grand Prix level trained stallion Zorro passed away suddenly on Friday 25 May 2012. The 13-year old black stallion died at an equine clinic from an unknown cause.
On Thursday morning 24 May Zorro was turned out into the field as part of his daily routine. When Jessica took him back in two hours later the horse had over 40° C fever. The veterinarian was called immediately and started treatment, but the horse's condition did not improve and Zorro was trailered to the equine clinic. He was put on a drip, but collapsed and died there on Friday.
The cause of death is so far unknown and a necropsy will be carried out in Hanover on Tuesday.
"I'm totally in shock," said a devastated Jessica Süss. "I have owned Zorro half my life and we went from my first young horse test to our first Grand Prix together. He was more my friend than any other horse and he gave a lot of other people much joy. He was the joy of life on four hooves. I still can't cope with the fact he's no longer here. I can't express in words how much I miss him. Farewell Zorro and thanks for everything."
Jessica Süss' Zorro was a 1999 born Friesian stallion by Brandus x Pike. She trained the stallion herself to Grand Prix and booked her first S-level victory in 2008. They made their international small tour debut in 2010 and competed at distinguished shows such as the CDI Hagen and CDIO Aachen. Jessica earned her Golden Rider's Badge on him.
The 26-year old Süss, who is based at Stable Kritzler in Einen, Germany, had planned on competing Zorro in the Grand Prix at the regional show in Iserlohn this weekend.
Judge Christoph Hess called Zorro "the best ridden Friesian in the world and correctly schooled according to the classical principles. Zorro is a Happy Athlete the way the FEI wants to see it."
Photos © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Zorro
Fighting Windmills, Friesian Style
Sweet Sensation: Jessica Süss and Diamantenbörse Get Bronze
Zorro - The Black Wonder (in German)