Beezie Madden’s partner for double FEI World Equestrian Games bronze, Cortes ‘C’, died on Wednesday, July 12, Beezie and John Madden announced on their Facebook page.

The 21-year-old Belgian-bred Belgian Warmblood gelding (Optiebeurs Randel Z—Orchidee Van De Tombeele, Darco) bred by Bart Clement and owned by Abigail Wexner got his start under Gregory Wathelet’s saddle.

He and Madden paired up in 2011 and won the LGCT Valkenswaard Grand Prix CSI5* (the Netherlands) a few months later, setting the tone for a legendary career that included a silver team medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, numerous Nations Cup appearances and the aforementioned individual and team bronze medals from the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (France). At that competition, in the Final Four, he jumped four clear rounds with four different riders, earning the title of Best Horse.

In 2013 he won the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Chantilly (France) and in 2014 and 2015 they won back-to-back editions of the Longines King George V Gold Cup at the Hickstead CSIO5* (England). They were regular winners on the U.S. circuit as well, leading the victory lap in 2014 at FEI World Cup qualifiers in Wellington, Florida, and in Lexington, Kentucky, among others.

Nicknamed “Tiny” as an ironic nod to his huge size, the horse earned heaps of fans thanks to his unique cross-legged jumping style. He was awarded the U.S. Equestrian Federation International Horse of the Year honors in 2014.

Tiny was officially retired in 2017 and lived out his days at the Madden Mountain retirement facility in Cazenovia, New York, where he was known for being the friendliest horse on the property.

“Tiny was one of a kind. With top results as a young horse with Gregory Wathelet and then years of being at the top of the sport with our team, I was blessed to have him in my life. I will forever be thankful to Tiny and Mrs. Wexner for our years together. His passing leaves a hole in all our team’s hearts,” said Beezie in the Facebook post.