Cameo, an accomplished international event horse, was euthanized Aug. 5 in Blacksburg, Va., due to a large tumor obstructing his airway. He was 19.

Originally an advanced-level horse based in California with Debbie Peacock, Cameo’s international career began after he was purchased by Abigail Lufkin.

The pair finished third at Fair Hill CCI*** (Md.) in 1999, 13th at the Rolex Kentucky CCI**** in 2000 and were short-listed for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

“Cameo had an incredibly playful personality and an enormous heart. A tremendous athlete one minute and sitting in your lap the next—that’s who Cameo was,” said Lufkin.

Cameo began a new chapter in his life as an amateur mount and family member when Linda Dahlgren purchased him in July 2001. Cameo and Dahlgren turned in a rare double-clear cross-country round at the 2002 Radnor CCI** (Pa.), and in 2003, in the advanced division, they finished fourth at Pine Top (Ga.), third at Morven Park (Va.) and first at Southern Pines (N.C.).

“Cameo was a horse with a strong personality who knew how fancy he was,” said Dahlgren. Spectators witnessed his trademark playfulness whenever he squealed or kicked up his heels around a course.

After recovering from an injury, Cameo continued to compete until August 2007, when he placed third in the open training division in his final outing at Horse Trials At The Ark (N.C).

“I am blessed and honored to have known this special and talented horse. He has taught me so much, and I will miss him tremendously,” said Dahlgren.