Gigolo is Dead at Age 26

15 years ago StraightArrow Comments Off on Gigolo is Dead at Age 26
Gigolo with Isabell Werth and paddock mate Fabienne
Gigolo with Isabell Werth and paddock mate Fabienne earlier this year

RHEINBERG, Germany. Sept. 24–Gigolo FRH ridden by Isabell Werth to become the most successful dressage horse in history, was humanely euthanized after his health deteriorated rapidly following an injury, Isabell reported Thursday.

“To me, he was a friend, master and sports companion,” she said. “His reliability and his motivation were his outstanding qualities.”

Isabell and Gigolo were together for 20 of his 26 years after he was bought by her first trainer and sponsor, Uwe Schulten-Baumer in 1989.   “I am glad that we could help him enjoy a nice old age after his sports career,” she said.

The pair won team gold and individual silver at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, team and individual gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and team gold and individual at the Sydney 2000 Games.

They won four world championship medals, eight European championships and four German titles.

“I look back with great gratitude for the years with him,” she said.

“I am sure Gigolo FRH will be remembered not only by me.”