Winston Himself, an accomplished upper level event horse, was euthanized on Jan. 30 after a bout with colic. He was 28.

From humble beginnings as a barrel racer, owner Susan B. Wainwright purchased him for $1,200 as a 5-year-old. A Thoroughbred-Quarter Horse cross, Winston Himself could do anything, said Wainwright. He was also a lover of doughnuts, cotton candy and hamburgers. The 16-hand bay gelding was a favorite around the barn.

Winston’s career with Wainwright was long and successful, having completed events such as Rolex Kentucky, Fair Hill (Md.), Radnor (Pa.) and Essex (N.J.).

“He would jump anything ever put in front of him,” said Wainwright. “The sight of horses running and jumping cross-country always brought that far away, invincible look into his eyes.”

Wainwright said that Winston taught her to always be happy with an improved performance, and she recalled that he was always exuberant, playful and happy.

“The thrill of galloping across the finish line at Rolex was always huge,” said Wainwright of her favorite moments with Winston. “But truly, time just spent hugging or grooming him was priceless. He was not just my horse. He was my trusted friend.”