Former U.S. Grand Prix team rider Leslie Morse lost her 18-year old Dutch warmblood stallion Kingston, who passed away at Kings Court, his home and Morse’s training facility in Hidden Hills, CA, on 11 October 2010, following an acute colic attack.
Kingston was an Oldenburg licensed stallion by Voltaire x Burgraaf who represented the U.S.A internationally, winning two U.S. National Championships. He was also named 2005 USDF Horse of the Year.
Kingston and Morse competed successfully at some of the equestrian world's greatest top sport venues, including Aachen, Hickstead, and Wellington. The combination were the alternates for the 2004 Olympic Games and named traveling reserve for the 2008 Olympic Games. Kingston and Morse also represented the U.S. at three World Cup Finals. They helped win team bronze at two CDIO finals.
In the United States, they were twice U.S. National Champion as small tour and big tour level, as well as booked successes at some of the biggest CDIs, including Del Mar, Pebble Beach, Los Angeles and both Wellington and Palm Beach in Florida.
Morse, who has ridden Kingston for the better part of her professional career, says: “He couldn’t make it to the hospital. I wrapped my arms around him and sat with him for two hours with three friends. What a life we shared. I think of all the places, arenas, cities, countries that we went together and it will keep me bright. Every day, he smiled and asked ‘Where are we going today, Mom?’
Morse and Kingston were the first to use the highly popular "Pirates of the Carribean" music for their Kur to Music, music which was copied to infinitum.
The end of his competition career came in 2009 when Kingston had to retire during his test at the 2009 World Cup Finals in Las
Vegas. A recurring injury which started in 2006 had flared up. Four years ago Morse's second horse Tip Top took over Kingston's number one spot in the barn and became a U.S. team horse at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen. In July 2010 Kingston suffered a severe colic attack and was operated on. Even though he made a full recovery, this second attack proved to be fatal.
Kingston has passed down his qualities to his babies. "He has left an important legacy," said Morse. "I have such high hopes for them ... His light will never fade."
In addition to Morse's own Kingston progeny, Debbie McDonald's great partner, Brentina, produced an E.T. baby with Kingston earlier this year named 'Brighton', a name everyone involved immediately applauded.
"Kingston was the gift of all gifts, he inspired me to be the best I could be daily."
Photos © Dirk Caremans
Related Links
Kingston Operated On due to Colic Attack
The Return of the King: Kingston Makes Come Back
Kingston, USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year
Leslie Morse, 2003 American Dressage Champion
