The 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Chromatic BF, tragically collapsed and died in the stabling area after finishing third in the second round of the jumping competition earlier in the evening at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup. He was owned by breeder KC Branscomb and Branscomb Farms LLC and ridden by Jill Humphrey, who posted a time of 48.36 seconds in a seven-horse jump-off to secure a podium spot along with the Swedish teams of Henrik von Eckermann and Peder Fredricson.
Chromatic BF’s sudden collapse came as a shock to everyone involved in his care and competition journey. Despite immediate medical attention from both U.S. Equestrian veterinary staff and FEI veterinarians, he could not be resuscitated. In accordance with FEI veterinary regulations, samples have been taken from the horse, and a full postmortem will be conducted as per FEI protocols to determine the cause of his death.
The U.S. Equestrian Federation expressed its deepest condolences to Jill Humphrey, KC Branscomb, Branscomb Farm LLC, his groom Pepe Rodriguez, and everyone else involved in Chromatic BF’s care and competition journey. The tragedy has left the equestrian community devastated as they mourn the loss of this talented horse who had made such an impact on so many lives.
Jill Humphrey had expressed her gratitude for Chromatic BF’s contribution to her career saying “Chromatic BF was more than just a horse to me; he was my partner, my friend, and my greatest companion.” The pair had finished 12th on Wednesday but were fifth in the overall standings when Chromatic BF collapsed.
KC Branscomb had also expressed his heartfelt condolences saying “Chromatic BF was more than just a horse to me; he was family.” The pair had worked together since Chromatic BF was just three years old.
The tragic event has brought attention to the importance of proper animal welfare measures in all equestrian events. The FEI has announced that it will be conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Chromatic BF’s death to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in future competitions.
The equestrian community is mourning this tragic loss but is also committed to working towards better animal welfare practices in all events.