Aortic Rupture Suspected in Olympic Show Jumper’s Death

Show jumper Wonderboy III likely died from a cardiac condition leading to aortic rupture, his owner says.
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International show jumper and Olympic mount Wonderboy III has died, most likely from a cardiac condition leading to aortic rupture, according to his owner.

The 14-year-old gray Belgian Warmblood gelding collapsed under saddle Jan. 7, said Georgie Crumley of Crumley Equestrian Group in Alfold (Surry), U.K.

"I was cantering on the gallops with him when he suddenly felt exhausted," Crumley said. "I immediately brought him back to walk where he felt very wobbly, so I jumped off of him. As soon as my feet touched the ground, he collapsed."

The horse had had some performance issues recently, often underperforming after two days of competition, according to Crumley. "His third day was terrible, just like he was so empty," she said. "I do know that some horses have off days, but that just was not the sort of horse he was

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Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master’s degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.

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