Tragically, the 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding Chromatic BF collapsed and died in the stabling area at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup on Thursday, April 18th. The news was announced by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).
Chromatic BF had been owned by breeder KC Branscomb and Branscomb Farms LLC, and had been ridden by Jill Humphrey in the jumping competition. Humphrey had finished third in the second round of the competition earlier that evening, posting a time of 48.36 seconds in a seven-horse jump-off to secure a podium spot alongside Swedish teams Henrik von Eckermann and Peder Fredricson.
The pair had finished 12th on Wednesday but were in fifth place in the overall standings at the time of Chromatic BF’s collapse. Immediately following his collapse, he received medical attention from both U.S. Equestrian veterinary staff and FEI veterinarians. Despite their efforts, however, they were unable to resuscitate him.
As per FEI protocols, samples have been taken from Chromatic BF for analysis as part of an investigation into his sudden death. The U.S. Equestrian Federation expressed its deepest condolences to Jill Humphrey, KC Branscomb, Branscomb Farms LLC, his groom Pepe Rodriguez, and everyone else involved in Chromatic BF’s care and competition journey.