Damien, a CCI**** event horse, was euthanized on July 11 in his pasture in Vass, N.C., after he suffered a severe colic episode. He was 17.

Damien, a 7/8 Thoroughbred—1/8 Dutch Warmblood by Dynamite Cap was bred and owned by Mari and Roger Secrist. The Secrists knew he was special from the day he was born.

Mari started and competed him through the preliminary level before turning the ride over to Phillip Dutton, who swiftly brought him up through the three-star level, placing third at the Bromont CCI** (Que.) and the Foxhall CCI*** (Ga.).

Holly Hepp then took Damien to the four-star level, and in 2004 the pair placed eighth at the Rolex Kentucky CCI**** with spectacular cross-country and show jumping performances. The pair was short-listed for the 2004 U.S. Olympic team, eventually traveling to compete at Luhmuhlen, Germany, in 2005.

Damien retired from competition to the Secrists’ farm in 2006, where he was enjoying life and teaching the ropes to his 4-year-old sister.

“Damien was an extraordinary cross-country horse, a unique personality who endeared himself to all who knew him, and a much-loved and horribly missed member of the Secrist family,” said Mari.