Whadyasay!, famous for earning more than 30 tricolors at the fall indoor shows during his show hunter career, died in his sleep Dec. 6. He was 28.

He was bred by Mrs. Henry Graddy III and foaled in Kentucky. His dam, Cassie, was by Yatasto and his sire, Within Hail, was a son of Hail To Reason, who was a 2-year-old Horse of the Year and sire of more than 40 stakes winners.

Purchased by Susie Shockey with the intention to race, Whadyasay! was boarded by Shockey at the Rachubas’ Willowood Farm in Marriottsville, Md. After suffering a stifle injury, Whadyasay! changed careers and Shockey sold him as a show prospect to Kim Rachuba.

After teaming up with professional Katie Monahan Prudent, Whadyasay!’s show career began in 1984. They concluded the year with the reserve green conformation tricolor at the National Horse Show (N.Y.) and Rachuba winning the amateur-owner championship at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Whadyasay!’s first show year began 12 years of consistent tricolors at top venues. He and Rachuba won multiple grand amateur-owner championships during the indoors shows; he also won numerous titles in the regular working division with Prudent, who was his only professional rider during his career. He was piloted to top honors at Devon (Pa.) and many WEF circuit titles as well.

Whadyasay! was also ridden by Alison Firestone Robitaille and Bert and Diana Firestone in the junior and amateur divisions.

He was buried at the Firestone’s Newstead Farm in Upperville, Va., alongside some of the Firestones’ other famous horses, including Farnley Trilby, Lestat, Remote Control and Artesian.