Nadine Capellmann's World Champion and Olympic gold dressage horse Farbenfroh passed away on Monday December 20, 2004. The 14-year old Westfalian gelding was operated on his fore legs which went well.
Unfortunately, in the recovery box Farbenfroh sustained a femoral neck fracture when he tried to stand up. The fracture was so severe he had to be put down.
"I'm devastated," Capellmann said, "a horse like Farbenfroh you only find once in your life. Everything on him was extraordinary. His looks, his talent, his unbelievably nice face."
Aboard Farbenfroh (Freudentänzer x Aarstein) Capellmann won team gold at the 2000 Olympic Games, team gold and individual bronze at the 2001 European Championships, and team and individual gold at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
The double gold medal in Jerez was Capellmann's absolute highlight in her career so far. Broadcast on television were the unforgettable images of Capellmann hugging her horse in tears, saying "you are the best, you are the best."
Farbenfroh was known for living on the edge of madness and genius. One day the horse could be phenomenal, the other he refused to go or spooked in the arena. After the 2002 World Equestrian Games, Farbenfroh injured himself and was unable to recover fully. He tried to make a come back in the spring of 2004, but was unable to rise to the same level of excellence as of the years before.
Image copyrighted: Jacques Toffi - No Reproduction Allowed
Related Links
Farbenfroh's Comeback Postponed
Farbenfroh Making Comeback at CDI Dortmund
The Genius and Lunacy of Farbenfroh
Nadine Capellmann and Farbenfroh
Nadine Capellmann and Farbenfroh Triumph in 2001 Aachen Grand Prix Special
Farbenfroh Shows What Modern Dressage Is All About