Weltino's Magic, Bruce and Jen Hlavacek's 14-year old Westfalian gelding and the 2011 Pan Am gold medal winner, has passed away after complications from colic surgery.
The dark bay gelding (by Weltino x Diamond Boy) underwent a double colic surgery on 2 November but did not survive. He passed on 3 November at noon.
"Magic touched so many lives, with his bigger than life personality, and generous spirit. We are so thankful to Jennie Vinson Hlavacek and Bruce Hlavacek for sharing him with us for all of these years," said Shannon Peters. "Special thanks to Dr. Rodrigo
Vasquez and his team, for going above and beyond trying to save his
life. In the end, Magic chose his exit, and we can only thank him for
the time he spent with us, although too short for his humans."
Under Steffen Peters, Weltino's Magic won team and individual gold at the 2011 Pan American Games, scoring three world record scores at small tour level. He was a schoolmaster for two young riders, for Brandi Roenick in 2012 and 2013, and for Ehren Volk in 2016. With Roenick he won individual gold at the 2012 North American Young Riders Championships. Steffen's wife Shannon competed him at international Grand Prix level in 2014.
"I really don't think there are words to express how I feel right
now," said Roenick about the passing of her young riders' schoolmaster. "I had the privilege, to be carried by such an extraordinary
animal. Heart broken and devastated can't even describe the hole that
just ruptured through my chest. Magic, though a short
partnership I know what we had was beyond special. You were more than
just a horse. You were my everything, my pride and joy, my partner,
teammate, love of my life."
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Weltino's Magic Undergoes Double Colic Surgery
Pan Am Champion Weltino's Magic Leased to Brandi Roenick
Steffen Peters Sweeps Grand Prix and Inter I Championship, Endreson Takes National Junior Title
U.S. Riders Shine in Individual Final at 2011 Pan American Games
U.S.A. Dominates Dressage at 2011 Pan American Games