In Memory

Today we lost the oldest member of Contessa, Lanzo. I obviously did not know him as well as the long standing members of the team, but I still cared for him over the last month, and it is never easy to see a horse in it's last moments.

Lanzo, a Dutch Warmblood gelding, competed to Prix St George with both Tina and Dawn many, many years ago. He turned THIRTY TWO years old this year which is absolutely amazing, and has lived almost his entire life at Contessa.
He has been retired for some time now, but also spent many years as an advanced school horse, teaching riders all he knows, particularly his spectacular flying changes. I still saw him practicing his changes in the field no more than a week ago.

It is a testament to Tina and her high standard of care how long Lanzo lived, and it was obvious that it was a quality life in an atmosphere where he was well loved and spoiled.
Up until his last evening he was bright and happy, making huge amounts of noise demanding to be fed first, and begging for attention.

This morning Lanzo was lying down in his stable, and he could not get up. His body was exhausted, and his system was shutting down. He was euthanized not long after. Everyone was extremely sad to see him go, but I can only imagine how Tina is feeling. To have a horse that long, to develop such a close bond and then to see him to his last moments of life. Heart breaking!

Rest in Peace, dear Lanzo!