Isabell Werth's former Grand Prix horse Apache has passed away. The 19-year old bay gelding was euthanized following a debilitating injury which he sustained due to a fall half a year ago.
"After he injured himself half a year ago, he wasn't doing well at all," Werth said. "Of course we tried everything to make him comfortable to enjoy his retirement. Unfortunately with a sad heart we had to decide to put him down in his best interest. Apache was a fighter and an athlete. However, what made him truly special was his kind nature, his sensibility and devotion. Everyone who knew this horse, will miss him."
Apache was a 1993 born Oldenburg gelding by Alabaster out of Chromatik (by Grundstein I x Colorado I). Standing 1.83m, Apache made his Grand Prix debut in 2001 and booked 80 victories in his career (S-level to Grand Prix). He won more than 200,000 euro in prize money in his career.
Apache was originally owned by Dr. Uwe Schulten-Baumer Sr, but when Werth went to ride for Madeleine Winter-Schulze, the renowned sponsor acquired the gelding for her.
At the end of his career, Apache served as schoolmaster for Werth's assitant trainer Matthias Bouten. In 2009 the gelding suffered from lyme disease and he was retired from competition at age 17 in 2010.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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